Senator Bong Go, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, reminded the public of the possible surge of flood-borne diseases, including leptospirosis cases.
Nineteen to twenty tropical cyclones are expected this year, according to state weather bureau PAGASA. Paolo is the 16th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines and four to five more are expected for the remainder of the year based on predictions.
With this, Go also urged the public not to hesitate in seeking hospital treatment at the first sign of symptoms of leptospirosis, as he emphasized that early medical intervention can save lives.
“Huwag matakot magpaospital dahil nandiyan ang PhilHealth para tulungan kayo.”
“Magpatingin agad sa doktor kung may sintomas. Huwag matakot magpaospital dahil nandiyan ang PhilHealth para tulungan kayo,” the veteran legislator said.
In this connection, the veteran legislator urged the Philippine Health Corporation (PhilHealth) to ensure that benefit packages are readily accessible to leptospirosis patients, including coverage for hospital confinement, laboratory tests, and medicines that may be required during treatment.
“Siguraduhin dapat ng PhilHealth na malinaw at handa ang mga benepisyo para sa mga pasyenteng tinatamaan ng ganitong sakit, lalo na sa mga mahihirap,” the seasoned lawmaker underscored.
The senator also informed the public of the availability of the Malasakit Centers particularly in Typhoon-hit provinces such as in Masbate Provincial Hospital, which the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported as the most devastated province by Opong.
He is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act, which aims to make government medical assistance more accessible and efficient, especially for indigent patients.
Go emphasized the crucial role played by frontliners and emergency personnel during calamities.
“Sa bawat sakuna, may mga taong tahimik na nagtratrabaho para mailigtas at matulungan ang kapwa, kapalit ang sariling kaligtasan. Nararapat lamang na kilalanin natin ang kanilang sakripisyo,” he said.
Go filed Senate Bill No. 669, which if enacted, would grant hazard pay to all qualified responders directly involved in disaster operations, especially those in high-risk situations.
“Hindi lang po ito tungkol sa ayuda – ito rin ay pagkilala sa mga tunay na bayani sa likod ng relief effort.”
“Hindi lang po ito tungkol sa ayuda – ito rin ay pagkilala sa mga tunay na bayani sa likod ng relief effort,” he stressed.
In addition, Go renewed his call for the construction of permanent evacuation centers in all municipalities and cities as mandated by Republic Act No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored and co-sponsored.
Schools, gymnasiums, and basketball courts are often converted into evacuation centers. The unsanitary living conditions in these set-ups resulted in further hardships for displaced families, according to the senator.
“Napakalungkot pong makita ang ating mga kababayan na nagsisiksikan sa hindi angkop na lugar, gaya ng eskwelahan na natitigil ang mga klase ng bata o sa covered courts na wala naman sapat na sanitation,” he pointed out.
Finally, Go refiled in the 20th Congress his proposed creation of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR), which seeks to unify disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response and rehabilitation under one dedicated agency if enacted.
“Patuloy kaming magseserbisyo sa inyo dahil bisyo ko ang magserbisyo at ako ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo ‘yan sa Panginoon, serbisyo ‘yan kay Allah,” he concluded.
