THE House of Representatives on Monday marked World Health Day during the institution’s flag raising ceremony Monday.
Guest of honor Health Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire took the opportunity to recognize lawmakers for passing landmark laws that have vastly improved health services to mothers and children, who are the most vulnerable members of society, as well as expanded essential services to the people especially in underserved communities.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa inyo dahil katulong namin kayo sa pagpapatupad sa mga ganitong programa. Sana po madagdagan pa ang mga batas na ating isinulong upang maitaas po natin ang antas ng kalusugan dito po sa Pilipinas. As we raise our flag today, let us remember that each fold represents our collective responsibility to protect the most vulenarble among us — our mothers and our children,” Vergeire said.
These laws include the UHC (Universal Health Care) law, and the Regional Specialty Centers Act.
“Gusto ko rin pong idagdag ung First 1,000 Days of Life Law na atin pong naipasa rin. May mga batas po tayong ganito para alagaan natin ang ating mga nanay at ating mga sanggol,” she said.
She lauded the enactment of the UHC law which was realized through the coordination of everyone. “Dito sinisiguro walang maiiwan. Dito sinisiguro na lahat ng Pilipino ay may karapatan na magkaroon ng tamang serbisyong pangkalusugan na quality, affordable at accessible,” Vergeire said.
She said these laws have expanded essential services to the people especially underserved communities. “Napakalat na po natin ang specialized services because of this very outstanding law, the Regional Specialty Centers Act. At dahil po doon, nakita natin ang pagtutulungan ng ating legislators ng ating House of Representatives, Senate and our DOH,” she said.
Vergeire also said programs like the PhilHealth Maternity Benefit Package and the Expanded Newborn Screening Program have reduced financial barriers and improved early detection of life-threatening conditions.
“Ang ating bansa po ay nakagawa na ng mga hakbang sa pagpapaunlad at pagpapabuti ng kalusugan ng mga ina at ng kanilang mga bagong silang na sanggol,” Vergeire said.
Between 2017 and 2023, she said maternal deaths in the country have followed a fluctuating trend. She also mentioned how the COVID-19 crisis severely distracted the country’s health care systems, leading to a sharp rise in maternal deaths and peaking at around 2,500 in 2021.
The Administrative Department led by Deputy Secretary General Edgardo Pangilinan, DPA, hosted the flag raising ceremony.
About the Author
