Robredo launches first episode of weekly radio show

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 14) — Vice President Leni Robredo on Sunday launched the pilot episode of BISErbisyong Leni, a weekly public service radio show she is co-hosting on a local station.

The show's pilot episode, which aired on Mother's Day, discussed motherhood and the challenges facing mothers providing for their family.

The one-hour show, which Robredo anchors with radio journalist Ely Saludar, airs 9 a.m. every Sunday on RMN-DZXL 558 kHz and tackles family, legal, government, and societal concerns.

During the show, Robredo gave words of encouragement to mothers facing challenges, saying it would pay off in the future.

"Kahit gaano kahirap, alam natin na bubuti din sa darating na panahon. Kaya ito yung pagtitiis parati yang may kapalit. Yung kahirapan parating may kapalit," she said.

[Translation: No matter how hard it is, we know it will get better in the future. That's why this work, it will pay off. Hard times will always be repaid.]

Robredo, who is a single mother, was widowed when her husband, former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo died in a plane crash in 2012.

Robredo also urged parents to spend as much time as they can with their children and family.

"Walang kapalit yung oras na ginugugol sa mga anak... Hindi okay yung quality time lang, kailangan quantity time. Ibig sabihin lahat ng oras na puwede mong samaahan yung anak mas mabuti yun, kasi mas nakikilala natin sila," she said.

[Translation: There's no substitute for the time we spend with our children... Quality time is not enough, there should be quantity time too. This means we should spend as much time with our children as possible, because we get to know them more.]

The show also tackled other issues including Overseas Filipinos Workers, expanding opportunities in the provinces, and the physical and cognitive effects of "stunting" from malnutrition.

Robredo also answered questions from viewers who left messages for the Vice President.

In its Facebook page, RMN News nationwide said Robredo will be giving legal advice on the show.

Prior to assuming office as Vice President, Robredo was a Public Attorney and a member of the alternative lawyers group, Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panligal (SALIGAN).

The show is simulcast in RMN-Naga, RMN-Cebu, RMN-Cagayan De Oro, and RMN-Davao.

Viewers can also watch it live on the radio station's official Facebook page, RMN News Nationwide: The Sound of the Nation.