Party-list group brings medical aid to Marikina

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list congressman is bringing a medical assistance program to Marikina City to aid the local government unit (LGU)’s pandemic response programs.

Ang Probinsyano party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos is set to launch on July 12 the “Alagang Probinsyano, Kalinga ng Marikina LGU” program that will provide free health services to city residents.

The lawmaker said the program – which will cover free medical checkups, maintenance medicines and vitamins, diagnostic and laboratory tests when needed, and follow-up online medical checkups – aims to support Marikina’s health care program and the national government’s efforts against COVID-19.

The first batch of beneficiaries would all come from Barangay Tañong under the A3 category, particularly those with hypertension.

“There are 14.5 million Filipinos with comorbidity. These people are considered high-risk if they would contract COVID-19, which only means that millions would rather do self-medication than go to the hospitals or health centers to get their check-ups. The economic situation also prevents people from seeking medical health care. In response to this need, our party-list has started the ‘Alagang Probinsyano Health Service’ in the provinces when the pandemic started. This is our first venture to bring this service in Metro Manila,” he explained.

When asked why they chose Marikina for its first program in the metropolis, Delos Santos cited success of previous partnerships with Mayor Marcy Teodoro.

“He’s a personal idol when it comes to good governance. Marikina city government is organized, puts public service at the forefront. We would not be able to embark on a project like this, if not for the efforts and support of the local government,” Delos Santos said.

Ang Probinsyano party list is hoping that their project would be emulated in other parts of Metro Manila, where the population is densest and COVID-19 cases are highest.