House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Speaker’s office)

Did you know that House Speaker Martin Romualdez is a product of Ivy League school Cornell University in New York in the United States (US)? 

On Saturday, April 27, Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong Philippine House of Representatives, was able to address his fellow products of Cornell during the Spring Brunch and Education Forum in Tagaytay City. 

His speech delved into the country’s healthcare situation and how the House has worked to revolutionize it. 

“I am elated to report that the House of Representatives— your House—has embarked on a transformative journey to elevate health services and primary care for all Filipinos. We are not just lawmakers; we are collaborators, working closely with executive agencies to uplift the living conditions under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration,” he told his fellow Cornellians. 

One of the notable initiatives unveiled by the Speaker was the comprehensive review of the charter of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the country’s premier health insurance provider. 

He said the objective is to reshape PhilHealth into a more inclusive model that mirrors the efficiency of health maintenance organizations or HMOs. “It’s about ensuring PhilHealth evolves into a pillar of our Universal Health Care System, providing a safety net that is robust, compassionate, and equitable." 

Speaker Romualdez, who pursued his undergraduate studies at Cornell University from 1981 to 1985, also hailed a significant milestone in healthcare legislation, specifically in combating breast cancer. 

During National Women’s Month, PhilHealth responded to the House’s advocacy by raising the benefit package for breast cancer patients to an unprecedented P1.4 million--a remarkable increase from the previous coverage of P100,000. 

The Speaker commended PhilHealth’s swift action in providing free annual mammogram and ultrasound services, slated to commence in July. 

According to the Speaker, the establishment of the Philippine Cancer Center in Quezon City also stands as a testament to government’s dedication. Set to be constructed on a 5,000-square-meter lot within the Philippine Blood Center complex in Diliman, the center will stand as a modern teaching and research hospital. 

“It is a landmark in our healthcare infrastructure, focusing on the plight against cancer, which touches the lives of so many of our citizens,” he said. 

Each of its 20 floors will be dedicated to different types of cancers, ranging from hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal to lung, breast, reproductive organs of women, skin, and rare cancers. 

“Through these infrastructures, we aim to encapsulate the very essence of care and prevention taught to us at Cornell—knowledge in service of society,” said Romualdez, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from the Ivy League school. 

The Speaker also highlighted several legislative achievements that underscore the House's dedication to healthcare reform and accessibility. 

Among these is the Amendment to the Universal Health Care Act, which grants the President the authority to suspend and modify the scheduled increase of premium rates for direct PhilHealth contributors, offering much-needed relief and flexibility in healthcare funding. 

He also pointed out the significance of the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers in ensuring that accredited health workers at the barangay level receive proper incentives, benefits, and continuous training, thus fortifying grassroots healthcare. 

Another notable achievement is the establishment of the Virology Institute of the Philippines, which is seen to enhance the nation's capacity to manage and prevent viral diseases. 

“From the legislative chambers to the grassroots, our work is deeply rooted in the values we’ve garnered as Cornellians—aiming to ensure the effective delivery of health services and, ultimately, nurturing a healthier, more prosperous nation,” Romualdez said. 

Just recently, Speaker Romualdez and his wife, Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez said they will ask PhilHealth to include in its free diagnostic packages the prerequisite tests for suspected tuberculosis carriers.