As many of us have traveled back from our respective provinces after the long weekend, it is important that we remain vigilant and prioritize our health and safety.

The recent Undas was not just our chance to visit our departed loved ones but also an opportunity to reconnect with our family. As we welcome the coming holidays, let us exercise extra caution to drive safely, and for commuters, stay alert and protect your belongings.

With the influx of travelers in the weeks to come, we also call on law enforcement agencies to ensure a secure and peaceful travel for our fellow Filipinos, especially in public terminals.

Let us also take extra care of our health and avoid overexerting ourselves. When traveling long distances, make sure to take regular breaks and rest when needed, and stay hydrated.

Furthermore, as the Amihan season begins and cooler weather brings a higher risk of flu-like symptoms, the Department of Health (DoH) reminds everyone to refrain from going near our relatives who are old or have comorbidities like cancer or diabetes when you have coughs or colds.

In the event of unforeseen incidents, let us take advantage of existing health and emergency services. As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I am proud that we now have 167 Malasakit Centers nationwide.

Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are within the reach of poor and financially incapacitated Filipinos. The program is institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, which we principally authored and sponsored. Since its establishment, the 167 Malasakit Centers to date have helped more than 17 million Filipinos nationwide.

We also have 700 Super Health Centers nationwide that are steadily being established through the efforts of the national government, through the Department of Health (DoH), local government units, and with the support of legislators who pushed for them in the Senate.

We are consistently urging the DoH and LGUs to ensure that these centers are completed and operational so that we can bring basic health services closer to communities, particularly in remote areas, to ease congestion in major hospitals.

Let us all continue to be responsible citizens and look out for one another’s safety and well-being.

On 27 October, we gratefully received the Humanitarian Service Award from the Rotary Club of Bukluran Quezon City. The Rotary’s continued commitment to live by its motto “Service above self” as a principle of sincere community service is truly admirable. Receiving this award is a great honor for me as a public servant, but an even greater honor is being able to serve and help our fellow Filipinos in need. With or without an award, I will continue to serve my fellow Filipinos.

On the same day, we personally went to Malabon City to help 459 fire victims. We extended assistance to somehow ease the hardship they are going through in the midst of this tragedy.

On 28 October, we also went to Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno, Las Piñas City, to express our sympathy and provide aid to families affected by another fire incident. Together with my Malasakit Team, we addressed the immediate needs of 69 affected families.

On 30 October, I also personally distributed assistance to 1,233 individuals from various sectors in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Meanwhile, the previous week, the Malasakit Team went to various parts of the country to deliver our assistance as they immediately aided fire victims in Jaro, Iloilo City; Cagayan de Oro City; and San Andres Bukid, Manila.

The Malasakit Team also assisted micro-entrepreneurs in La Paz, Loreto, San Luis, and Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

A total of scholars also received gifts from the Malasakit Team in partnership with Greenland Integrated Farm in Basey, Samar.

As we face the remaining months of the year with renewed energy and spirit, let us not forget the still unresolved national crisis that we are fighting --- the widespread corruption in government. We will not stop until those responsible for the ghost project and flood control scandal are punished. We will not allow any diversionary tactic to keep the truth hidden from the people.

As your Mr. Malasakit, I care for everyone’s well-being and I wish for everyone’s safety dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo.