Good health enables people not only to have a good life, but also to take care of those who depend on them. For many, however, healthcare often takes a backseat to daily necessities.

“For our constituents, minsan ang health ay hindi napapansin. Hindi nabibigyan ng priority. Nauuna ang bigas, ang pagkain sa lamesa [Our constituents sometimes tend to take their health for granted because their priority is putting food on the table],” said Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos at the recent Share the Alaga health activity that the city government held at Mandaluyong City College in partnership with Unilab and Watsons.

Mayor Abalos reminded her constituents that caring for their own health is also a way of caring for their families and communities. “Kung hindi tayo malusog, paano natin aalagaan ang ating pamilya? [If we’re not healthy, how could we take care of our family?]”

She urged Mandaluyong residents to take advantage of opportunities to get medical check-ups and health screenings, such as those provided at the Share the Alaga activity. Aside from availing of these health services, participants also received free medicines and vitamins from Unilab.

Motivated to stay healthy by family

Family is Virginia Nepalar’s primary motivation for taking care of her health. “Marami akong apong aalagaan. Hindi ko pa nakikita ang apat sa anim kong apo kasi nasa Bicol sila. Kaya ako nagpapalakas. Gusto kong makita sila sa personal [I have several grandchildren to take care of. I have yet to see four of my six grandkids because they are in Bicol. I am taking care of my health because I want to see them in person],” she said.

Racquelyn Acevedo, one of the hundreds of Mandaluyong residents who joined the Share the Alaga activity, said, “Magandang tulong ito sa aming mahihirap na walang pampa-check up. Malaking bagay na hindi ito manggagaling sa bulsa namin [This is a big help for us who do not have money for medical check-ups. It is great that we do not need to pay for this out of our own pocket].”