If there is one thing that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us, it is self-discipline to adhere to health protocols, not just the ones imposed by the government, but also those we impose upon ourselves for survival. It may be Covid-19 or some other illness as simple as the common flu or the dreaded pneumonia. What is important is not letting our guard down and becoming too complacent.

There is a reported increase in the number of respiratory illnesses in China and the United States with similar symptoms to Covid-19. We were already warned during the pandemic that getting rid of the virus would be very difficult. And while the government has eased health restrictions such as wearing masks, it would be wise to voluntarily protect yourself by wearing a face mask when the situation calls for it.

Although not mandatory, I am happy to see that there are still people who are still guarded and continue to wear face masks in public, especially in enclosed areas. It may be just the common flu, but as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I consider vigilance and imposing personal restrictions as the best ways to stop the spread of even common illnesses.

To fellow Filipinos, make it a habit to get regular check-ups. Through the collective efforts of lawmakers, local governments, and the Department of Health, we continue to make primary care, medical consultations, and early disease detection more accessible to Filipinos by establishing more Super Health Centers in various communities. The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation's Konsulta Package also makes medical check-ups more accessible.

Moreover, as the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, we continue to monitor the operations of Malasakit Centers nationwide to provide easy access to medical assistance, especially for indigent patients. Currently, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational nationwide, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. DOH has reported that around ten million Filipinos have benefitted from the program so far.

There is also RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which I principally sponsored and authored in the Senate. The law is pivotal in our healthcare legislative agenda, as detailed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023 to 2028. The law mandates the establishment of Regional Specialty Centers within existing DOH regional hospitals to bring specialized medical care closer to Filipinos.