Good health for better, safer society
“Every Filipino life matters, so we must continue investing in our healthcare system to improve our people’s health.
Daily Tribune“Every Filipino life matters, so we must continue investing in our healthcare system to improve our people’s health.
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.
We have suffered enough for almost three years during the pandemic. While I am pushing for legislative bills such as the establishment of the Center for Disease Control or the National Disease Prevention Management Authority, as well as the Virology Science and Technology Institute to make the country more prepared for other health crises, the most immediate concern now is how not to derail our path towards pandemic recovery through our continuous vigilance to avoid another public health emergency.
Every Filipino life matters, so we must continue investing in our healthcare system to improve our people's health. As I always say, "Ang katumbas po ng kalusugan ay buhay ng bawat isa (The equivalent of health is everyone's life)."
It is for this reason that my team and I go around the country and visit communities to bring government services, particularly medical services, closer to them, especially the poor and most in need.
Last 29 November 29, we were in Bohol and inspected the sports complex in Candijay, which we supported with my fellow senators and the local government. After this, we also inspected the new Super Health Center in Candijay. We also attended the 169th Candijay Foundation Day celebration. We thanked local officials, such as Gov. Aris Aumentado, Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite, and Cong. Alexie Tutor, Candijay Mayor Thamar Olaivar and Vice Mayor Toper Tutor, other mayors, vice mayors, and officials of neighboring towns.
On 30 November, we attended the start of the Bicameral Conference Committee for the General Appropriations Bill and fellow lawmakers to discuss the proposed law for our country's 2024 budget. We strongly advocated for additional funds for the health and sports sectors.
After this, I was invited as a guest of honor and speaker at the 48th Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Annual National Convention held in Pasay City. We also witnessed the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center to be built in Malabon City with Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, Vice Mayor Ninong Dela Cruz, and other officials. We also distributed grocery packs to indigents in the area. We then attended the 2nd NCR Senior Citizens Stakeholders Summit 2023 in Pasay City. Despite the diversity of sectors we met with, I expressed support for them to promote and protect their welfare.
I am happy to report that on 1 December, the turnover ceremonies for a multi-purpose building, daycare centers, and a multi-purpose vehicle were held in Brgy. Malabog, Paquibato District, Davao City. These projects were initiatives we advocated for and supported earlier.
My team also reached out to various communities to help those facing different crises. We assisted victims of fire incidents in Davao City, including 27 in Barangay 23-C and 12 more in Barangay Pampanga, Buhangin District. We also helped 650 needy countrymen in Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, in collaboration with Councilor Atty. Jelina Magsuci.
We also aided struggling workers, including 645 in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro, with Mayor Leo Cusi; 205 in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, with Mayor Maila Ting; 180 in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, with Councilor Derek Palanca; 96 in Masbate City with Board Member Alan Cos; and 500 in Hagonoy, Bulacan with Senator Joel Villanueva. Beneficiaries also received temporary employment from the Department of Labor and Employment.
We also supported 15 small business owners in Malungon, Sarangani, and 20 in Calasiao, Pangasinan, apart from the livelihood kits they got from the Department of Trade and Industry.
Along with Councilor Mikey Belmonte, we also participated in the distribution of Pamaskong Handog to some residents of Quezon City who received additional aid from my office.
No matter what we do and how busy we are in our daily lives, let us not forget that we are responsible for keeping ourselves healthy and protected from illnesses. Our discipline, vigilance, and cooperation can save not only our lives but the lives of others. Magtulungan tayo at magmalasakit tayo sa isa't isa (Let's work together and care for each other.