In light of the recent natural calamities our country has endured, we must consistently think ahead and ensure the welfare of our fellow Filipinos remains protected. More than infrastructure and disaster-resilient measures, we must also prioritize accessible and quality healthcare.

To advance this goal, we co-sponsored Senate Bill 1508, a measure authorizing the Department of Health to set and approve the bed capacity and service capability of all DoH hospitals. This seeks not only to enhance the healthcare system in our country but also to guarantee that taxpayers’ money is used efficiently for public benefit.

Many DoH hospitals often serve patients beyond their authorized bed capacities and are further constrained by the lack of adequate staffing, maintenance, and operating resources necessary to deliver the quality of health care their patients deserve.

Reports show that our bed capacity is below the national average, with 0.5 bed per 1,000 persons. As the former chairperson and now the vice chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I cannot imagine the hardship endured not only by patients battling illnesses but also by our healthcare workers who constantly find ways to stretch limited facilities and resources just to accommodate those in need.

That is why I am hopeful this measure is a steppingstone toward strengthening our healthcare system and paving the way for a more resilient and responsive healthcare future for all Filipinos.

Our existing healthcare initiatives also aim to deliver faster and more effective health service to the people. These include the Malasakit Centers, Super Health Centers and Regional Specialty Centers.

A Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop where concerned agencies are brought under one roof to ensure medical assistance programs are within 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.

Meanwhile, Super Health Centers have been funded to be built nationwide through the efforts of the national government, through the Department of Health and local government units. Our call remains for the government to ensure their full operation and prevent them from becoming white elephants.

Lastly, the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which we also primarily pushed as co-author and principal sponsor, aims to bring specialized medical services to Filipinos outside Metro Manila. This includes cancer, geriatric, cardiovascular, lung, kidney, mental health and eye care, among others.

Filipinos deserve the best. That is why, as Mr. Malasakit, I urge my fellow public servants to deliver our service with integrity and dedication not just in the healthcare sector but in all aspects of public service.

Meanwhile, the previous week, our Malasakit Team visited various kababayans in need as they assisted typhoon “Tino” victims in San Jose, Basilisa, Tubajon, Libjo, Dinagat, Cagdianao and Loreto in Dinagat Islands; in Consolacion, Liloan, Compostela, Danao City, Naga City, Balamban, and Toledo City in Cebu province; in La Castellana, Negros Occidental; and in Tomas Oppus and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte.

Moreover, typhoon “Uwan” victims in Hermosa, Bataan; in Baler, Casiguran, Dilasag, Dinalungan, Dingalan, Dipaculao, Maria Aurora, and San Luis in Aurora; and in Virac, Pandan and Baras in Catanduanes were also assisted.

We also assisted several microentrepreneurs in Dapa, Siargao Island and Surigao City in Surigao del Norte. In Baclaran, Pasay City, the Malasakit Team immediately aided fire victims.

Furthermore, we were invited to the KATuwang sa Kalusugan Karavan in Obando, Bulacan, and to the distribution of scholarships at Scientia Vox Mantrade Institute in Taal, Batangas and Mati City, Davao Oriental.

As Mr. Malasakit, rest assured that I will continue to serve you dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.