Investing in health infrastructure
We must invest in our people’s health if we want to attain our development goals.
Daily TribuneWe must invest in our people’s health if we want to attain our development goals.
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.
On 23 November, we attended the 31st Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum in Pasay City. Under the leadership of Senate President Migz Zubiri, we welcomed parliamentarians from various member countries and supported the dialogues and workshops. The successful outcome of the forum is a testament to the collective commitment and hard work of everyone involved. The experience can pave the way for continued collaboration and positive regional advancements.
We were in Sorsogon City on 24 November to witness the inauguration of the Super Health Center. We also inspected the Sorsogon Cancer Treatment Center, which we earlier advocated for and helped construct for cancer patients in the province. The Sorsogon Provincial Hospital was newly renovated through our support as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. We also visited the Malasakit Center in the same hospital and distributed free porridge to frontliners, patients, and their families. We also provided other forms of assistance to 1,200 patients and frontliners.
Additional aid was given to 490 indigents in the city, including temporary employment by DoLE. I attended the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants' 78th annual national convention, where we recognized the role of accountants in good governance. I am thankful to those who joined us on our visit to Sorsogon, especially Senator Chiz Escudero, Congresswoman Dette Escudero, Governor Boboy Hamor, and Mayor Ester Hamor.
On 25 November, we attended the 95th National Assembly of the League of Vice Governors of the Philippines in Pasay City. I assured our local leaders that I would help them serve their constituents to the best of my capacity as a senator.
Meanwhile, my office also assisted those affected by various crises, such as 21 residents of Cagayan de Oro City; two in Balamban, and 14 in Cebu City, who were victims of fires. We also helped 49 residents affected by a fire in Zamboanga City; 12 in Brgy. Tambo, Island Garden City of Samal; 17 in Muntinlupa City; and 127 in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.
We also provided additional aid to 225 TESDA graduates in Cordova, Cebu.
We also extended additional help to 50 tour guides in Samal City in coordination with the Samal Gabay Island Association and 300 residents of Sarangani province, in coordination with the office of Governor Ruel Pacquiao, apart from the livelihood assistance they received from DSWD.
We also aided 33 residents in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 450 in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; and 120 in various towns in Bohol, in addition to the livelihood kits they received from DTI through a program that we advocated for earlier aimed at helping communities affected by crises.
We also assisted 169 displaced workers in Lipa City, Batangas, in partnership with Councilor Mikee Morada; 1,000 in Santa Maria, Bulacan, with the offices of Sen. Joel Villanueva, Congressman Ador Pleyto and Mayor Omeng Ramos; 177 in Botolan, Zambales, with BM Samantha Ablola. In Davao del Sur, we also helped 207 in Hagonoy, with Mayor Jesus Dureza; 277 more in Polangui, Albay, with Mayor Adrian Salceda; and 198 in Digos City, with Governor Yvonne Cagas. These beneficiaries were also provided with temporary employment from DOLE.
There is a crucial link between health and development. As a legislator, I am committed to improving healthcare in communities by ensuring that public health services and its facilities can be accessed by the poor and those in need of government assistance the most wherever they are in the country.
Every life matters. Together, let us ensure that the health and well-being of every Filipino is protected and taken care of. After all, a healthy citizenry is synonymous with a more productive and safe society.