President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, April 19, promised government support for programs and initiatives that would boost the health sector as he also called for more public-private partnerships in health.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. speaks during the groundbreaking of St. Bernadette Children and Maternity Hospital in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. (Photo from Presidential Communications Office)
During a speech for the groundbreaking of St. Bernadette Children and Maternity Hospital in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, the President said health is a priority of his administration.
“Bilang inyong Pangulo, isa ito sa ating mga prayoridad na makapaglatag ng mahusay at abot-kayang programa ng serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa bawat Pilipino (As your President, this is one of our priorities to craft an excellent and accessible health program for every Filipino),” he added.
But this, Marcos stressed, couldn’t be possible without the help of the private sector and the medical professionals, who he commended for their heroism during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He asked medical professionals for support for the country’s health programs and health infrastructures, especially in far-flung areas.
“Nagkakaisa tayo sa paniniwala na obligasyon ng pamahalaan na alagaan ang kalusugan ng kanyang mamamayan . . . maitaguyod ang mga sarili at ang kanilang pamilya, at para sa masiglang pagtakbo ng ating ekonomiya (We are one in the belief that the government has an obligation to care for the people’s health . . . establish themselves and their families for a healthy economy),” Marcos added.
However, the Chief Executive underscored the need for the participation of all sectors of society, including the private sector and ordinary Filipinos.
Marcos shared that the St. Bernadette Children and Maternity Hospital, a 65-bed level one hospital, is part of his administration’s Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP).
He applauded the local government of Bulacan, which was represented in the event by Gov. Daniel Fernando, San Jose Del Monte Lone District Rep. Rida Robes, and San Jose Del Monte Mayor Arturo Robes.
Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos also attended the event.
The President took pride in the world-class skills of Filipino healthcare workers, sharing how global leaders have repeatedly asked him to send them to their countries.
“Alam niyo po pag nakikipag-meeting ako sa lahat ng mga leader, lahat ng mga presidente, mga prime minister ng kahit saan, kahit sa Amerika, kahit sa Canada, kahit sa Europe, lahat, lahat nagtatanong --- puwede ba kaming kumuha ng workers, ng health workers sa inyo (You know, when I meet with leaders, all the presidents, the prime ministers, from America, even in Canada, even in Europe, all of them ask — can we get health workers from you)?,” Marcos said.
“Dahil sa buong mundo ang kauna-unahang hinahanap nilang health workers ay ang mga Pilipino at ang mga Pilipina (Because all over the world, the first that they look for are Filipino and Filipina health workers),” the President added.