Public health infrastructure plays a vital role in the development of any country. It provides the foundation for delivering the government's public health services, including disease prevention, vaccinations, and emergency preparedness.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I have consistently pushed for the development of public health infrastructures such as the recently inaugurated Super Health Center, the Sorsogon Cancer Treatment Center, and the newly renovated Sorsogon Provincial Hospital, all in Sorsogon City, which I earlier advocated for and personally visited last week.

The Super Health Centers, which focus on primary care, consultation, and early detection of diseases at the community level, have also been funded in various Sorsogon municipalities, including Bulan, Irosin, Castilla, and Sta. Magdalena, and Matnog. Sufficient funds have also been allocated under the Department of Health for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 Super Health Centers in 2023. The establishment of Super Health Centers in strategic areas all over the country will help us make healthcare more accessible at the grassroots level, even in remote areas.

We must invest in our people's health to attain our development goals. By investing in public health infrastructure, we help bridge the gaps in healthcare accessibility, especially in underserved communities. The establishment of Regional Specialty Centers — a priority of the current administration through Republic Act 11959, which I principally sponsored and one of the authors in the Senate, also plays a significant role in closing the gaps and making healthcare more accessible to those who need it most.

Our strategy of establishing Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals will enhance the country's health infrastructure. This is good news for patients in the provinces, especially those from geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, since they do not have to travel far for specialized procedures, mostly found in big cities, including Metro Manila.

As we strive to improve the country's public health infrastructure, we continue to deliver services to our fellow Filipinos who need help.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I was the guest speaker at the Philippine National Police Academy Intramurals in Silang, Cavite, on 22 November. We once again showed our support for the police and joined our advocacy to promote sports as a significant part of nation-building and to encourage the youth to get into sports, stay away from illegal drugs, and be fit and healthy. Also, I was the guest speaker at the Year-End Assembly Cum Continuing Local Legislative Education Program of the PCL-Iloilo Chapter held in Davao City that evening.