Alan Peter Cayetano

‘Addressing PH health challenges a priority’

January 4, 2022 People's Tonight 258 views

FORMER Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano has said addressing the challenges in all aspects of health – be it physical, mental, financial, and spiritual – is still a priority in 2022 as the country transitions from the current administration to the next one.

“Magkakaroon din tayo ng transition dahil magkakaroon ng bagong Pangulo, isa ring challenge ito, pero y’un din ang haharapin niya eh, y’ung health ng ating mga kababayan, ” Cayetano said in a media interview.

Cayetano said the first challenge is maintaining the physical health of the citizens since the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is still affecting the country.

“First our physical health, ‘wag magka-COVID, at y’ung dati nang may sakit, kung pa’no to get the medical care. Forty-five percent ng mga barangay sa Pilipinas walang primary health care, walang barangay health centers. So challenge ito,” Cayetano said.

Cayetano also said the country needs to ramp up its vaccination program, particularly for booster shots as the threat of the Omicron variant continues to grow.

“Sa ibang bansa, ‘pag sinabi mong ‘fully vaccinated,’ tatlo na ‘yan, kasama ang booster. Pinag-uusapan na nga y’ung pang-apat eh,” he said.

True to his focus on faith-based and values-oriented leadership, Cayetano said even the spiritual health of the citizens is at risk especially as various forms of gambling and vices are being enabled by the government.

“Spiritual health… unfortunately imbis pigilan maraming tinulak ngayon, y’ung e-sabong, may e-casino pa raw, e-cigarettes, at y’ung vape. Y’ung mga causes [ng] addiction, he said.

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