Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chair of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations on Wednesday expressed support for the “visionary plans” of the current Marcos administration to revolutionize the country’s healthcare system.
“The legacy projects initiated by the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. have remained stagnant for far too long, with minimal development over the years,” Co said.
“I fully support President Bongbong Marcos’ commitment to continue and enhance these projects, as they hold tremendous potential to improve healthcare services for our people,” he added.
He also commended Congress under the leadership of Speaker Martin G. Romualdez for providing substantial budget allocations to facilitate the much-needed improvements for the existing “Legacy Projects.”
Co was referring to the initiative of the Romualdez-led House to secure an initial appropriation of 500 million pesos for each specialty hospital through the collaborative efforts of Congress.
These funds will be dedicated to the development of Legacy Specialty Hospitals, such as NKTI the National Kidney and Transplant Institute(NKTI), Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC), and Western Visayas State University (WVSU), as well as the establishment of the Philippine Cancer Center.
“As the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, I am proud to be part of the collective effort to secure the necessary funding for the revitalization of these crucial healthcare facilities. This demonstrates our commitment to providing quality medical services to the Filipino people.” Co stated.
“It is a sobering reality that we all fall ill and ultimately face our mortality,” he added.
Co lamented “however, at present, those who lack financial resources are denied equal opportunities to receive quality healthcare, as only the privileged can afford to seek treatment at private health institutions.”
Co also stressed Mr. Marcos’ dedication to expanding the “Legacy Projects” initiated by his late father. “President Marcos Jr. envisions emulating the approach taken by President Marcos Sr. in Metro Manila and replicating it across the entire Philippines, ensuring that government hospitals in every region provide equal access to medical care. Regardless of one’s economic status, every Filipino will witness their taxes working for their well-being.”
“It is our duty as public servants to ensure that all citizens, regardless of their location, have access to the same level of healthcare as their counterparts in private institutions. This will help bridge the healthcare gap and provide equal opportunities for all.”
Co added “Together with the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, we will strive to build a healthcare system that provides equitable access to high-quality medical services for every Filipino.”