Basta Tayo Sama-Sama celebrated its 1st anniversary and thanksgiving on June 1, 2022. Volunteer leaders of BTS and respectful guests gathered at Quezon City for the anniversary and thanksgiving celebration of Basta Tayo Sama-Sama (BTS).
BTS National Chairman, Atty. Warren Ruiz shared how BTS started. Before BTS was formally launched, the group helped those affected by typhoons, fires, and even the victims of the Taal eruption. He claimed that despite their own circumstances and the status of the nation, especially during the pandemic, BTS members were still able to help others.
“Hindi ba dapat nating ipagpasalamat ‘yan? Hindi po tayo naging pabigat sa ating lipunan. Hindi lang tayo nanahimik sa ating mga tahanan, tayo po ay lumabas upang damayan natin ang mga ating mga kababayan upang mahatiran ng mga ayuda. Tayo po’y naging makabuluhan na mga mamamayan.”
Atty. Warren stated that because of this purpose, the organization has grown aspiring to further help others. Atty. Warren also recalled the last message of Honorary Chairperson of BTS and late Anakalusugan nominee Atty. Regina Reyes-Mandanas to one of the BTS staff.
“Ingatan niyo ang mga health card na yan dahil diyan nakataya ang kalusugan ng ating mga miyembro.”
Atty. Warren reassured that BTS will carry on the organization’s work even after the elections. He hoped that the BTS members would continue to take part in and support BTS’ advocacies.
“Hindi tayo natatapos sa ngayon lang. Ipagpatuloy pa natin ang ating pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan lalong lalo na ‘yung mga nangangailangan para sa kanilang mga kalusugan at tulungan natin iangat pa ang antas ng buhay sa lipunan sa pamamagitan ng mga benepisyo.”
BTS Vice Chairman Atty. Henry Capela expressed his gratitude to the BTS leaders for their unending support and the efforts they delivered to the organization. Atty. Capela also urged the members and leaders to maintain unity.
“Sana huwag tayo mag-iwanan at patuloy na palakasin ang samahan upang tayo’y hindi mapag-iwanan ng panahon. Kung tayo ay magsasama-sama, tayo ay may mararating na mas maganda sa ating mga kinabukasan.”
BTS National Chairman for Membership, Harry Amar sent BTS his congratulations on reaching BTS’ milestone. He praised the BTS members and expressed the hope that they will continue to support the group even after the elections. He sought for prayers and encouragement from the BTS members as he pursues his goals in the Department of Migrant Workers.
“Bawat mamamayan ay dapat maging kabahagi ng pamumuno at pamamahala ng ating bansa. Hinihingi ko po sa inyo ang inyong panalangin at suporta na kung maaari ay maging kabahagi tayo ng bagong tatag na Department of Migrant Workers. Kami po ay naghahandog ng paglilingkod. Ang commitment ko po ay syempre tulungan lalo na priority ang BTS. Kung papalarin tayo, ay inaasahan ko na marami sa inyo ang mabibigyan ng oportunidad na makapag-ambag sa ating pag-unlad hindi lang dito sa ating bayan kung hindi sa labas ng ating bansa.”
Campaign director of Anakalusugan Partylist, Atty. Jay Masangcay expressed his gratitude to BTS for supporting the partylist during the campaign. He assured full support to the organization and stated that Anakalusugan will honor all health cards most especially to the BTS members.
BTS was in support of the political tandem, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. One of the guest speakers in the event was a longtime friend of Vice President Sara Duterte, Atty. Bruce Rivera. He shared how he came to know the vice president. Atty. Bruce thanked BTS and everyone who helped and contributed to Vice President Sara’s victory.
“Salamat po sa inyong tulong. Alam namin na wala kayong tinanggap ni pisong kusing. I know that all of you contributed a lot for this campaign. Palakpakan po natin tayong lahat dahil tayo talaga ang nagluklok sa kanya doon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat in behalf of all other volunteers. Sana po sa 2028, hindi ko alam kung sino ang tatakbo, pero sana po nandito pa rin kayo na tutulong sa ating magiging pinuno pagdating ng panahon.”
