Mind & Body

Philippine Health and Education in 2019

How was Philippine Health and Education in 2019? Both took the road of progress, and bigger things await in 2020.

The Duterte administration has been taking, “Health is wealth” and “Education is the key to success,” into full swing. For the past three years, we’ve seen consistent improvements in the lives of Filipinos. From booming infrastructure to a robust economy, the education and health sectors have not lagged behind.

Let’s look at what 2019 brought us:

Healthcare for all

One of the biggest news for Philippine Health and Education in 2019 was the signing of the Universal Healthcare Law. A milestone of the Duterte administration, the Republic Act No. 1223 will be the first of its kind in this part of the world.

It covers city and province-wide health systems and will enroll all Filipinos into the National Health Insurance Program. This is regardless if an individual is a direct or non-direct contributor. In his speech during the ceremonial signing of the law, President Duterte guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health services for all Filipinos. 

Additionally, the creation of a blood disease and transfusion center has been discussed. Camarines Sur Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte is pushing House Bill 8774 that seeks to provide comprehensive care for patients with blood diseases.

In December, President Duterte institutionalized Senator Bong Go’s Malasakit Center to be part of government hospitals. These will serve as “one-stop shops” for indigent patients – the poorest of the poor.

These are just a fraction of the developments in the health sector. We hope to see more of these types of investments in public health in the coming years. 

Stressing the importance of education

During the groundbreaking of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar National High School, President Duterte was able to express his thoughts on the importance of education in the country.

“Education is indeed the most valuable gift that we can leave behind to the succeeding generations. This is why I have been firm in my stand that no Filipino youth should ever be denied access to high-quality education,” said President Duterte in his speech.

Philippine Health and Education in 2019 included successful programs led by the Department of Education. One of which was the integration of environmental curriculum called the Makakalikasan Programs. These programs will teach students the value of environmental stewardship.

Performance bonuses for DepEd’s non-teaching staff have also been approved. This was confirmed in a post by DepEd Usec. Annalyn Sevilla last December 4.

Continuing what 2019 started

A cherry on the icing of Philippine Health and Education in 2019 was the United Nations’ announcement that the Philippines is the 69th happiest country in the world. This is a step in the right direction in the realm of mental health. It’s good to know that many of us still remain very optimistic people despite persisting challenges.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey also concluded that most Filipinos are “very happy” with their current state of life in the country.

These surveys convey a lot about how things have changed in the past few years, changes that bring about the kind of satisfaction needed for us to feel alive, and not just survive. 

2019 might be coming to an end, but it leaves in its trail more reason to believe in opportunities than unsolved problems. Together, we’re still finding solutions to our challenges, and that’s always a good thing.

Be it in infrastructure, foreign relations, labor and employment, our rising economy – or Philippine Health and Education, it’s good to know we’re on track.

The current administration has a few years left, and it should be able to make its undeniable mark in creating a more comfortable life for all. For that, we are grateful.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

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