MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. committed to strengthening the country’s healthcare system by addressing shortages in facilities, equipment, and medical professionals, particularly in underserved communities.

“Kaya’t bilang suporta ng pamahalaan, hindi bababa sa 500 bilyong piso ang inilaan natin sa budget ngayon upang maging mas epektibo ang ating health sector,” Marcos said as he led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) College of Allied Health Sciences Building.

The President acknowledged the challenges faced by Filipinos in accessing healthcare services, citing limited access to medical care, inadequate modern technology and hospital facilities, and insufficient healthcare centers and workers.

“Hindi na po natin hahayaang magtiis sa sakit ang ating mga kababayan dahil sa kawalan ng pantustos sa pagpapagamot. Hindi natin hahayaang nahihirapan ang mga pamilya sa mga probinsya dahil sa layo ng kanilang lalakbayin para makarating sa ospital,” he said.

Marcos said the government allocated more than P427 billion to the Department of Health and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and over P13 billion to specialty hospitals under this year’s national budget.

He added that nearly P9 billion was allocated to hospitals of the Department of National Defense and the Philippine National Police, while almost P98 billion was set aside for local government health programs.

For medical scholarships and tuition fee subsidies for students in state universities and colleges, the government allotted more than P1 billion. Meanwhile, nearly P1.4 billion was allocated for medical assistance and the implementation of the zero balance billing policy at the Philippine General Hospital.

“Lahat ng ito ay inaasahang magpapabuti ng serbisyong medikal at magpapalakas ng ating health sector,” Marcos said, urging the public to avail themselves of the government’s health-related programs.

The President also called for continued cooperation between the national government and local government units to address the healthcare needs of Filipinos.

During the event, Marcos turned over P15 million in assistance to Baseco Hospital to further improve its facilities and services.

He also visited the Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, noting that the hospital recorded the highest number of first-patient encounters under PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program last September.

“Sa puntong ito, nananawagan ako sa ating mga kababayan: Samantalahin ninyo ang mga programang ito upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga sarili. Bukas po ang mga serbisyong ito para sa lahat—lalo na sa higit na nangangailangan,” the President said.