This year has brought various challenges to our country, especially in the health sector. But these same challenges provided an opportunity for growth and resilience, showing how Filipinos stand up amidst trials and adversities.

As we welcome the new year, may we also be reminded to prioritize our health and well-being. Just recently, the findings of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) poll revealed that 47% of Filipinos rank good health as their greatest blessing this holiday season. This should inspire us to push further initiatives that would improve access to quality healthcare in the country.

As the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, my top priority remains the well-being of every Filipino. As your Mr. Malasakit, I continue to fight for better services for Filipinos, particularly the poor and the helpless. My crusade to keep our people healthier is evident in our work of monitoring the continuing operations of the Malasakit Centers program, the establishment of more Super Health Centers, and the implementation of the Regional Specialty Center Act, among others.

The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure that government medical assistance programs are within the reach of indigent Filipinos. The program is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 which we principally authored and sponsored. Since its establishment, the 166 Malasakit Centers to date have helped more than 15 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health.

Super Health Centers provide primary healthcare services at the community level with more than 700 of these funded so far through our collaboration with DOH, LGUs and fellow lawmakers.

Meanwhile, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959, which we also pushed for as principal sponsor and one of its authors, aims to bring specialized medical services to every region providing better access to every Filipino.

Before we end the year, let us also give honor to our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. As we commemorate Rizal Day, it is important to reflect on the lessons he thought us as we also do our form of service and sacrifice for the next generation. As Dr. Jose Rizal said, “Ang kabataan ay ang pag-asa ng ating bayan.”

As the Chairman of the Senate Committees on Youth and on Sports, I encourage Filipinos to value their education the same way Rizal did — knowing that the youth will be the future leaders of the country. At the same time, we continue to urge the youth to get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit.

I also recognize the vast contributions of Rizal, himself a physician, in bringing medical services in the community level.  This inspires me, as the head of the Senate Health Committee, to work harder in bringing medical and healthcare services of the government closer to our people.

In the remaining days of 2024, let us work together to make our country a better one by doing our part as responsible citizens. By doing so, let us also be an inspiration to others. As a public servant, I will continue serving others to the best of my abilities believing that service to the people is service to God.

On December 23, we headed to Lupon, Davao Oriental for the turn-over of the Super Health Center with Mayor Erlinda Lim and provided assistance to health workers present. We also witnessed the turnover of ambulances in the municipalities of Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Cateel, Manay, Tarragona, Lupon, and San Isidro, and in Mati City in partnership with DOH.

On December 26, we visited the Super Health Center and a new elevated pedestrian walkway in Malungon, Sarangani, which we advocated for as the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. We also provided assistance to health workers there.

On December 27, we were in Davao del Norte to personally extend assistance to 600 micro-entrepreneurs from Braulio E. Dujali, Carmen, Sto. Tomas, Kapalong, Asuncion, and Tagum City, aside from the livelihood support from DTI. After which, I headed to Manila to attend the MMFF 50th Anniversary Gabi ng Parangal as a member of the Executive Committee and advocate of our local film industry. I urge fellow Filipinos: tangkilikin at suportahan natin ang pelikulang Pilipino!

As an adopted son of Taal and Batangas with familial roots to the province, I went there on December 28 to join the blessing of the town’s Rural Health Unit, which will function as a Super Health Center. On the same day, we went home to Davao City to personally attend the Pablo Lorenzo National High School 25th Alumni Homecoming in Mandug. Furthermore, we were represented by our good friend Phillip Salvador at the Panabo City National High School Alumni Homecoming on the same day.

Meanwhile, during the Christmas season, our Malasakit Team extended help to Filipinos in need as they aided 1,000 indigent residents in Famy, Laguna, in coordination with Mayor Lorenzo Rellosa.

There were also 37 typhoon victims who received additional aid from our Malasakit Team in Tarragona and Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Aside from advocating for temporary employment, we also gave additional assistance to 90 displaced workers in San Dionisio with Mayor Darwin Bajada, and 54 in Calinog with Vice Mayor Anthony Gustilo, both in Iloilo. We also provided livelihood assistance to 100 beneficiaries from New Corella, Davao del Norte.

Our Malasakit Team also supported and attended the National Capital Region Transport Leaders meeting in Pasay City; the Anak ng Manggahan Lingkod Bayan Family Christmas Party in Pasig City with Barangay Captain Quin Cruz; and the Medical Mission in BF Parañaque, where an estimated 800 TODA Drivers and their families were aided with Councilor Raffy Apiong dela Peña.

While we reflect on the year that passed, let us welcome a new beginning full of hope and compassion for our fellow Filipinos. May everyone be blessed with a Happy and Healthy New Year!