Marikina City Mayor Maan Teodoro during the flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 2. (Photo from Marikina PIO)
Mayor Maan Teodoro has initiated new reforms in health services to make medical assistance more accessible, especially for senior citizens in Marikina City.
During the flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 2, Teodoro announced the relocation of the Animal Bite Treatment Center to the Concepcion Uno Super Health Center to make it more accessible, especially for residents of District 2.
“With this transfer, we are making sure that urgent services, such as vaccines and treatments, are close to the people, especially our residents in District 2,” the mayor said.
The mayor also announced that the Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) is being transferred from its old building on V. Gomez Street to the ground floor of the City Health Office. The move will make it easier for senior citizens from Districts 1 and 2 to travel, while also bringing them closer to the Marikina Diagnostic and Medical Arts Building.
“This is not just a transfer of office, it is a clear statement that we want our seniors to be at the heart of our healthcare system,” she said.
“Healthcare should be accessible, available, and within the reach of every Marikina resident, lalo na sa ating mga lolo at lola (especially for our senior citizens),” she added.
As the local government upholds the principle that prevention is better than cure, it also conducts weekly medical and dental missions in various barangays to bring primary healthcare closer to the people.
Teodoro said they aim to encourage everyone to undergo check-ups, noting that early treatment leads to better health. She stated, "Tandaan natin, kapag malusog ang mga mamamayan, mas mabilis ang pag-unlad ng bayan (Let us remember, when the people are healthy, the city develops faster)."
The mayor emphasized that this is only the beginning of many more reforms she plans to implement.
In addition, she said that they will continue the scholarship program for aspiring doctors, which was initiated by former Vice Mayor Marion Andres.
“These young men and women are living proof that dreams can be achieved when there is support, malasakit, and a government that invests in its people,” she stated.
“When they return to serve our city, they will not only heal but also inspire the next generation. The road to progress is always built on the foundation of health,” Teodoro added.