Unli Pares Vendor Deo Balbuena, widely known as “Diwata” in social media circles, officially filed his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) on Wednesday as the fourth nominee for the Vendors Party-List, a group advocating for the rights and welfare of vendors across the Philippines. Balbuena, a viral food stall vendor who gained popularity for her online presence, expressed her strong commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino vendors through legislative representation.
Arriving at the Manila Hotel to formalize her candidacy, Balbuena addressed the media and her supporters, sharing her reasons for joining the political arena. “Nandito kami ngayon para maging boses sa lahat ng mga vendors. Magtulong-tulong kami para maiangat ang mga vendors sa buong Pilipinas,” Balbuena stated. (“We are here to be the voice for all vendors. We will work together to elevate vendors across the Philippines.”)
The Vendors Party List aims to secure a seat in Congress, where they plan to champion policies that will provide better working conditions, financial assistance, and legal protections for vendors. These include street vendors, market stall owners, and those working in informal economies, who are often overlooked in legislative discussions.
Balbuena, known for his inspiring story of resilience, transitioned from being a food vendor to a social media personality with a significant following. Her relatable content, showcasing the daily challenges and triumphs of a vendor, resonated with netizens and garnered her viral fame. Through her platform, she has become a symbol of hope for small entrepreneurs who struggle to make ends meet amid economic hardships.
By joining the Vendors Party List, Diwata aims to extend her advocacy from the digital world to the halls of Congress. She believes that her personal experiences as a vendor equip her with the knowledge and empathy needed to address the issues faced by this marginalized sector.
PANOORIN: Vendors Partylist 3rd Nominee at Vlogger na si Diwata, umapela na huwag siyang husgahan at bigyang pagkakataon na maglingkod sa bayan | @balitangA2Z pic.twitter.com/7WpxQ8fIed
— Ace Cruz (@AceCruz_A2Z) October 2, 2024
The Vendors Party-List’s platform includes pushing for legislation that ensures equitable access to public vending spaces, affordable vendor permits, and social security benefits for small business owners. They also plan to advocate for programs that provide training and capital support to help vendors grow their businesses.
As the party list seeks to represent millions of vendors in the upcoming elections, Diwata’s candidacy is seen as a move that could bring much-needed attention and action to the struggles of vendors in the country.