Sam Verzosa Jr., co-founder of the health and beauty multi-level marketing company, Frontrow Philippines, is no stranger to the daily struggles of the working class.
Toughened by the streets of Sampaloc, Manila, Sam’s inspiring story proves that poverty is no hindrance to achieving one’s goals and aspirations.
Aside from being a successful entrepreneur, Sam, or SV, has just entered the world of politics after winning a seat in Congress through the party-list, Tutok To Win, following this year’s national election.
STAYING TRUE TO HIS ROOTS
The party-list group counts affordable housing, livelihood, health, and education as its primary focus.
It’s no surprise then that Sam personally picked House committees that cater to these vital community needs.
Sam currently holds vice-chairman roles in the Poverty Alleviation, Social Services, Welfare of Children, and Disaster Resilience committees.
He told PEP.ph (Philippine Enetrtainment Portal) in a chat at the Frontrow headquarters in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City, “Ito po ay personal ko pong pinili dahil malapit po sa aking puso. Ito po ay ginagawa ko na personally, ng aming kompanya, ng aming grupo sa Frontrow Cares.
"Ito po ang sektor na aming nirerepresenta. Ako po’y nanggaling sa sektor na ito. Lumaki rin po ako sa hirap.
“Sa tiyaga at sipag at pagpupursige ay naangat ko po ang buhay ko.
"At ngayon nasa estado na ako na puwedeng tumulong ay ibinabalik ko po lahat ng binigay sa akin ng Panginoon.”
SURVIVING THE PANDEMIC
The past two years have been tough for businesses across all industries.
With uncertainty all around because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses both small and big were forced to shut down as profits continue to decline.
His company was not spared from these challenges, but has managed to hold its ground.
Sam said with a sigh of relief, “Naka-survive naman po nung pandemic. I’m so grateful.
"I’m always grateful na na-survive po namin iyon at nakakatulong pa rin katulad ng ginagawa natin ngayon.”
HOUSE BILLS
The crippling effects of the pandemic continue to be felt today, the reason why Sam, who is also the current president of Maserati Philippines, has been focusing on crafting House bills that would address these pressing issues.
He said, “Ilan sa mga batas na naipasa natin ay iyong E-Skwela bill na kung saan ay magtatayo po tayo ng maraming eskwela sa iba’t-ibang barangay, distrito sa buong Pilipinas—Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao."
House Bill 4827, or the E-Skwela Act, aims to elevate the country's education system and improve students’ capabilities by providing learning tools and resources, including Internet access.
Actually, the E-Skwela initiative is Sam’s advocacy even before joining Congress.
The program has so far helped establish learning hubs in Metro Manila, Cebu, Baguio, and Camotes Islands.
Sam hopes to broaden E-Skwela’s reach should it be ratified and signed into law.
The neophyte representative is also pushing for a law that will give poor job applicants a 20-percent discount on document fees such as birth certificates, NBI clearances, police clearances, and marriage certificates.
He reasoned, “Kasi karamihan sa kanila ay hindi pa nagkakaroon ng trabaho, baon na sa utang, kailangan na ng pera. So isa po itong paraan para matulungan sila.”
There’s also the online protection law that Sam and his group are advocating to protect both consumers and legitimate drug manufacturers against unscrupulous entities.
Sam recently marked his birthday with a donation of more than five million pesos to charity organizations representing diverse sectors.
The beneficiaries were Anawin Foundation, He Cares Foundation, Light of Jesus Prison Ministry, Jeremiah Foundation, Smile Train, Cottolengo Filipino, and Batang Sampaloc Scholarship Foundation.
“Sinama ko po iyong mga kaibigan ko sa Kongreso, mga kapwa ko Congressman, na tumulong din. Mga kaibigan natin sa show business, mga business partners natin, pinagsama-sama ko po sila sa isang lugar,” said Sam.
“Gumawa po tayo ng SV charity gala para makalikom ng pera at makatulong sa mas marami nating kababayan na nangangailangan.”
The gala event was held at the Cove, Okada Manila in Parañaque City on September 10.
Among the showbiz personalities who attended the charity event were Gerald Anderson, Michelle Dee, and Sam’s girlfriend, Rhian Ramos.
Earlier today, October 10, he distributed relief goods to fire victims in his hometown, Sampaloc.