Public service continues as we welcome 2026 with good health

Public service continues as we welcome 2026 with good health | Daily Tribune

Filipinos are known to be resilient. Throughout the year, our kababayans have faced various challenges that have tested our strength. Yet, we have proven our ability to rise amid adversities, turning trials into opportunities for growth.

As we welcome the new year, let us give even more priority to our health and safety by avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, practicing moderation in our food intake and making time for regular exercise. These simple but important steps can help us start 2026 on a healthier and safer note.

As your senator and health reforms crusader, I will continue to support and push for priority programs that truly make a difference in the health and lives of our people. As Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I commit to advocating for more health reforms and policies in 2026. My top priority remains to be the well-being of our people, providing better healthcare services to them.

As your Mr. Malasakit, I continue to fight for better services for Filipinos, particularly the poor, the helpless, and the hopeless. My crusade to keep our people healthier is anchored on my three priority programs: the Malasakit Centers program, the Super Health Center and the Regional Specialty Center.

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 indigent Filipinos. The program is institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which we principally authored and sponsored. Since its establishment, the 167 Malasakit Centers to date have helped more than 17 million Filipinos nationwide, according to the Department of Health.

Super Health Centers provide primary healthcare services at the community level. We continue to appeal to all responsible agencies to ensure the efficient and effective use of our super health centers. Please make these operational so that local government units can get help to address the health concerns of the public, especially in far-flung areas. Relevant agencies must make sure that these projects do not become “white elephants” to guarantee that these health investments truly serve the Filipino people.

The Regional Specialty Centers Act, or RA 11959, which we also pushed for as principal author and sponsor, aims to bring specialized medical services to Filipinos.

As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and an athlete myself, I encourage everyone to engage in sports as it not only keeps us in shape and healthy but also helps keep our youth away from vices. As our battle cry goes, “Get into sports, stay away from drugs, to keep us healthy and fit.”

In the remaining days of 2025 and as we step into 2026, let us work together to build a better Philippines by doing our part as responsible citizens. By choosing health, discipline and compassion, we can also be an inspiration to others.

Meanwhile, the previous week, despite the holiday season, our Malasakit Team continues to bring joy and hope to the displaced workers in Bagac, Bataan and Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. The beneficiaries were given temporary employment to support their family. We also provided immediate aid to fire victims in Barangays Concepcion and Potrero in Malabon City; and to fire and flash flood victims in Bato, Leyte.

As Mr. Malasakit, service never stops in 2026 as I continue to help those who are in need, dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos.

Enjoy the holidays and have a healthy, new year to all of us!