Gift of good health

Christmas is just around the corner, and at this time of the year, let the gift of good health be our gift to ourselves and others.

As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I call on every Filipino to be mindful of their health, especially when attending large gatherings where infectious diseases can quickly be passed on.

According to the Department of Health, influenza-like illnesses in the country have increased. While DoH can help minimize the number of cases through information dissemination and the conduct of flu and pneumonia vaccinations, the responsibility to protect oneself against these illnesses still lies with everyone.

If you cannot avoid gatherings, protect yourself by wearing a mask. It is no longer mandatory, but voluntary wearing of face masks, especially among the elderly and those with health issues, can help protect you and your family against the common flu and even "walking pneumonia."

As I continue to exert efforts to strengthen our healthcare system through various initiatives we championed, such as the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers for accessible medical assistance, the establishment of more Super Health Centers to bring primary care closer to communities, and the enactment of the Regional Specialty Centers Act that I principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate, to decentralize specialized medical care, we must remain vigilant against other health threats because we cannot afford to waste our gains toward pandemic recovery.

Moreover, we should show our 'malasakit (compassion)' for others by helping fellow Filipinos overcome challenges, especially the poor, the helpless, and the hopeless who need our attention. This is why I make the most of my time as a public servant to engage with various sectors and help in any way I can.

As I always say, "Bisyo ko ang magserbisyo. Tutulong ako sa abot ng aking makakaya (It is my vice to serve. I will help as much as I can)."

As the Chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, we attended the 3rd Siklab Youth and Sports Awards at Market Market, Taguig City on 4 December, upon the invitation of the PSC-POC Media Group. We paid tribute to young athletes who have demonstrated skills, talent, and determination in bringing honor to the nation. I am also grateful to receive the Godfather of the Year Award for our support in the sports sector. With or without recognition, I continue to support the sports community.

On 5 December, l served as a guest speaker during the 59th Philippine Association of Medical Technologists, Inc. annual convention. I reported that I recently filed Senate Bill 2503, also known as the "Philippine Medical Technology Act of 2023," aimed at updating the existing framework governing medical technology practice and promoting the welfare of MedTechs in the country.

I attended the year-end activity of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines Region 8 held in Manila to share efforts to improve public service for their communities.

I reiterated my support for local legislators during the Philippine Councilors League national assembly in Pasay City on 6 December, telling them we must unite to bring services closer to our constituents.

I visited Pamplona, Cagayan on 7 December to deliver aid to 961 families affected by Typhoon Egay from the towns of Pamplona, Sta. Praxedes, Sanchez Mira, and Claveria, with Mayor Digna Puzon-Antonio, Mayor Esterlina Aguinaldo, and Mayor Abraham Bagasin. They also benefited from the NHA's emergency housing assistance program that we advocated for to help them purchase nails, roofing, and other materials to repair their homes.

On 8 December, I was also invited to the League of Provinces of the Philippines assembly in Mandaluyong City. Although we have different positions in the government, we all share the same goal of serving our fellow citizens.

I was invited to Davao City on 9 December as a guest of honor and inducting officer for the newly inducted Class Officers of Dangal-Sanib Class, Public Safety Officers Senior Executive Course 2023-07.

On 10 December, we had the honor of being in Oriental Mindoro, where I was declared an adopted son of the province. This recognition deeply humbles me, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to the people of Oriental Mindoro, especially Governor Bonz Dolor, Vice Governor Ejay Falcon, board members, mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay captains, and SK chairpersons, among others. Senator Win Gatchalian attended the event and was recognized as Adopted Son of Oriental Mindoro. We joined the Super Health Center's inauguration in Bansud, which was realized through our efforts with fellow lawmakers, DoH, Mayor Ronaldo Morada, and Vice Mayor Rico B. Tolentino.

Meanwhile, my Malasakit Team also provided aid to recovering fire victims, including 192 residents of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat; a family in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; 13 in Butuan City; and 30 members of various sectors in Koronadal City, South Cotabato, in addition to the assistance from NHA which we have been continuously supporting.

My team also aided a victim of a fire incident in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and 54 families in Brgy. BF Homes, Parañaque City. We also distributed Christmas gifts to some residents of Quezon City with Councilor Mikey Belmonte. We also have assisted 30 victims of a bus accident in Antique on December 5.

We also helped displaced workers, including 180 in Dumangas, Iloilo, with Mayor Toto BJ Biron; 484 in Labason, Zamboanga del Norte, with Mayor Jed Quimbo and Vice Mayor Tony Go; 472 in Merida, Leyte, with Mayor Roland Villasensio; 194 in various towns in Bohol with Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite; and more than 450 from various towns in Negros Occidental with Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer. These beneficiaries were also provided with temporary employment by DOLE.

More support was also provided to 412 market vendors previously fire victims in Pritil Market in Manila; and 16 in Makilala, North Cotabato. They also received livelihood kits from the DTI.

In partnership with Rep. GP Padiernos, we also helped 1,000 indigents of Rizal, Nueva Ecija, in addition to the assistance they received from the government.

We also distributed additional aid to members of various sectors, including 100 in Tantangan, South Cotabato, with Mayor Timee Joy Gonzales; 51 in M'Lang and 49 in Midsayap, both in North Cotabato, with Board Member Shirlyn Macasarte. The DSWD also provided livelihood assistance.

We also gave additional support to TESDA graduates, such as 800 in Cabuyao, Laguna; 25 in Carcar City, Cebu; and 400 in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Let us focus on keeping everyone healthy, especially during the Christmas season.

I want to reiterate that the best gift we can give ourselves and our fellow Filipinos is still the GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH.