Christmas is just around the corner! We Filipinos are known as a very festive people with one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world. This is the season of getting together, reminding us of the spirit of compassion, giving, and rejoicing with our family.

With rejoicing comes feasts, and we Filipinos love to share our bountiful meals during the long holiday break. As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I believe there is no better way to celebrate this season than being healthy and worry-free. That is why we encourage our kababayans to still be mindful of how much and what they eat, get some exercise, and stay fit this season.

In the unfortunate event that a medical concern should arise, the programs that we initiated, legislated, or advocated for, are in place to make healthcare services more accessible, especially to the poor such as the continuing operations of Malasakit Centers that provide convenient access to medical assistance; the establishment of Super Health Centers to bring primary care, consultations and early disease detection in grassroots communities; and the creation of Regional Specialty Centers to bring specialized care in every region in the country.

We also thank our fellow workers in government for their continued service to help Filipinos in distress. Our collaborative efforts are precious gifts to everyone, whose lives are touched by compassion and service which are the true essence of Christmas— ‘malasakit at serbisyo’.

Words are not enough to express my gratitude for the chance to be of service to the Filipino people. As your senator, I will continue to help as much as I can and to the best of my abilities to bring services, solutions, comfort and compassion in your times of need.

On 16 December, we were in San Jose, Batangas for the inauguration of its new Super Health Center where we also provided support to health workers and LGU workers present. We also gave additional aid to 452 fire victims in Tondo, Manila, on the same day, who also received emergency housing assistance that we advocated for to help them fix their homes.

On 17 December, we attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Lumban, Laguna. After this, we attended the groundbreaking of the Lumban Municipal Hall, which we supported as the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. We also provided support to 135 displaced workers present. I am also honored to be recognized as Lumban’s adopted son.

During the Cagayan Provincial Health Awards on 19 December, we were invited to join the event as part of our advocacy in promoting healthcare in the country. In partnership with Tuguegarao City Mayor Maila Ting-Que, we gave assistance to 1,281 students and 400 indigents. We also attended the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Peñablanca where we gave support to the barangay health workers present. We are also honored to be declared as an adopted son of Peñablanca and, soon, of Tuguegarao City as well.

On 20 December, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Youth, we partnered with the local government of Binangonan, Rizal led by Gov. Nina Ynares and Mayor Cesar Ynares to aid 2,820 students. We also inspected the San Mateo Super Health Center and gave food assistance to 1,000 residents together with Gov. Ynares and Mayor Omie Rivera. After this, we met with Pasig City Barangay Captains to share the Christmas spirit and partner with them in serving their communities.

As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, we also attended the Pilipinas Super League (PSL) President’s Cup Opening Ceremony in San Juan City on 21 December.

On 22 December, we were represented by my good friend and ally, Phillip Salvador, in the PDP Laban Christmas Luncheon in Janiuay, Iloilo with Vice Mayor Corel Hannah Locsin-Yap.

Meanwhile, our Malasakit Team continued to extend help to communities the previous week, as we immediately aided 110 fire victims in Talisay City, Cebu and two in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

In coordination with Governor Joseph Cua, Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes, and San Andres Mayor Leo Mendoza, we aided 545 indigent residents in Catanduanes province.

As a staunch advocate of youth empowerment and quality education, we also extended support to various scholars such as 104 students at the University of Batangas; 764 in various Cebu Technological University campuses in Cebu; 41 in Taytay, Rizal; and 189 at Bulacan State University. Our Malasakit Team also provided aid to 200 TESDA graduates in Iligan City.

The previous week, we supported and attended the distribution of aid to the solo parents and transport sector in Muntinlupa City. My Malasakit Team also assisted 23 cooperatives from Northern Mindanao which benefitted from the Malasakit sa Kooperatiba initiative of the Cooperative Development Authority which we advocated for in Cagayan De Oro city.

Our team also joined and supported the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Cuenca, Batangas; and the turnover of a Super Health Center in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Once again, allow me to express my sincerest gratitude to my fellow Filipinos for the continued trust. I seldom make promises but what I can offer you is my perseverance and hard work. I will not waste this opportunity to be of service to the country and our people. Hindi po ako titigil magtrabaho para sa Pilipino dahil bisyo ko po ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din sa Diyos.

Wishing everyone a Blessed Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy Holiday Season!