President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced that the government was making preparations for the end of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency status.
The Chief Executive made this statement as he distributed government aid to the residents of San Jose Del Monte in Bulacan.
According to Marcos, the country is slowly recovering from the pandemic crisis.
“You know, with the pandemic, with Covid, we can probably say that the country is already recovering greatly. And we no longer have to worry too much about getting sick in our everyday lives,” he said.
While the government is already preparing what to do once it lifts the Covid-19 emergency status, Marcos urged Filipinos to remain cautious and vigilant against the virus that has claimed the lives of almost 7 million people worldwide since 2020.
Hence, Marcos promised that the government would provide all possible aid to those who require assistance, particularly those still struggling to recover from the pandemic.
The President expressed his desire for government aid to alleviate Filipinos’ burden while reassuring the public that his administration would continue to provide support whenever necessary.
“Rest assured that as long as you need assistance, your government is here and ready to help,” Marcos said.
“We will not forget you. We will not stop supporting and assisting you until you are able to recover,” he added.
The President, in particular, expressed worry for small business owners who had to close their businesses due to pandemic-related losses and for those who lost their jobs.
Hence, he is making sure that the government is doing all it can to assist Filipinos, including those small business owners and those who require aid.
Meanwhile, the President pledged assistance from the government towards enhancing the healthcare industry as he urged increased collaboration between the public and private sectors in healthcare.
The Chief Executive made the call during the groundbreaking ceremony of the St. Bernadette Children and Maternity Hospital in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
During his speech, the President underscored that health is a priority of his administration.
“As your President, one of our priorities is to establish excellent and accessible healthcare services for every Filipino,” Marcos said.
However, he emphasized that achieving this goal would require the assistance of the private sector and medical experts, whom he praised for their bravery during the Covid-19 crisis.
The President urged medical professionals to back the country’s healthcare programs and infrastructure, particularly in remote locations.
“We need support from all sectors of society – the government, private sector, and citizens – to succeed in this endeavor,” the President said.
Progressive Philippines
“Through unity and collaboration, with the strong bodies of our citizens, we can establish a progressive Philippines where no one is neglected or left behind as we strive towards a more comfortable and secure life in the coming times,” he added.
The President emphasized that the involvement of all members of society, including the private sector and ordinary citizens, is essential for the country.
He explained that the government has a responsibility to prioritize the health of the people to establish a healthy economy for them and their families.
Marcos encouraged the Department of Health and the San Jose del Monte city government to collaborate and guarantee that the children and maternity hospital will be built on schedule and with modern standards.
The St. Bernadette Children and Maternity Hospital is part of the government’s development initiatives that align with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan.
The hospital is classified as a Level-1 health facility and will feature 65 beds and essential amenities, such as an operating room, recovery room, maternity and isolation facilities, clinical laboratory, imaging facility, and pharmacy.
Marcos commended the local government of Bulacan, including Gov. Daniel Fernando, San Jose Del Monte Lone District Rep. Rida Robes, and San Jose Del Monte Mayor Arturo Robes, for their efforts in the project.
‘The world wants more Pinoy health workers’
In the same speech, the President expressed pride in the exceptional skills of Filipino healthcare professionals, revealing that world leaders have repeatedly requested for their services.
“You know, when I meet with leaders, all the presidents, the prime ministers, from America, even in Canada, even in Europe, all of them ask — can we get health workers from you?” Marcos said.