Strengthening our nation’s preparedness against future outbreaks

In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic shook the world, a health crisis that claimed millions of lives and overwhelmed health systems. When news broke recently about a “super flu,” it sparked fear and worry among the public, raising concerns that it might end up being another widespread health threat. Thankfully, experts confirm that the super flu does not come from a new or more dangerous pathogen but refers to an influenza strain that appears to spread faster than seasonal flu.

Our country endured the impact during and long after the pandemic, from overwhelmed hospitals to exhausted health care workers. It is important that our health care system is always ready. Reactive responses alone are not enough, and we must work together to strengthen our capacity to anticipate, prevent, and manage future outbreaks before they escalate into full-blown crises.

With this, as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, I urge the swift implementation of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), created under Republic Act (RA) 12290. This law, which we principally authored and co-sponsored, mandates the establishment of a national research institute under the Department of Science and Technology.

The VIP will serve as a cornerstone of the nation’s scientific infrastructure, dealing with health threats to humans, animals, plants, and the broader environment, with the ability to rapidly study new viruses and develop appropriate medical countermeasures. Beyond vaccine research, RA 12290 also mandates the VIP to train scientists, set biosafety and biosecurity standards, and collaborate with international institutions while protecting Philippine interests.

Moreover, recent events such as the pyroclastic activities of Mayon Volcano in Albay and Kanlaon Volcano on the island of Negros remind us that disasters often carry serious health implications, particularly for displaced families and vulnerable groups. It is essential to ensure that health assistance mechanisms remain accessible during emergencies.

Thus, we are appealing to the Department of Health (DoH) and LGUs to ensure the continued and full operation of Malasakit Centers, especially in areas affected by calamities. Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops designed to help impoverished patients reduce their hospital expenses to the least possible amount.

In our effort to further improve our health care system, we have advocated for the expansion and construction of a more diverse range of health facilities, such as Super Health Centers. The Super Health Centers serve as a middle ground between a rural health unit and a polyclinic. They offer a range of services, including laboratory testing, birthing facilities, outpatient care, dental services, and a pharmacy, among others. 

I urge the DoH and other relevant government agencies to make all Super Health Centers operational to complement the health services needed by local government units, especially in far-flung areas. There must be no white elephant projects to guarantee that these investments truly serve the Filipino people.

I am also one of the authors and the principal sponsor of RA 11959, which mandates the creation of regional specialty centers within existing DoH regional hospitals. This aims to reduce the burden on families who often shoulder high transportation and accommodation costs when seeking complex medical procedures in the capital.

As Mr. Malasakit, I remain committed to strengthening our health care system not only by responding to crises as they arise, but by building resilient institutions that protect the health, dignity, and well-being of every Filipino.

Meanwhile, the previous week, our Malasakit Team immediately aided fire victims in Mandaluyong City and Makati City.

As we move forward, together with my fellow lawmakers, I will push for more health initiatives that would help our kababayans in need, and I will always be of service to the Filipino people, dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo din sa Diyos.