President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday appealed to Filipino healthcare professionals to continue serving in the country, stressing that their role is vital in strengthening the nation’s medical system.
Speaking in Ormoc City, Leyte, during the turnover of 124 patient transport vehicles (PTVs) for Eastern Visayas, Marcos acknowledged that many nurses and doctors consider opportunities abroad but said the government is determined to encourage them to stay.
“You know, our nurses and doctors are thinking of leaving and working abroad. But we are encouraging them to stay. They are Filipinos; of course, they want to help their own people,” Marcos said.
The President also highlighted that, for the first time, every city and municipality in the Philippines now has a doctor. To support this milestone, his administration aims to ensure that all 1,642 cities and municipalities receive at least one PTV. So far, 1,173 units have been distributed, equipped with stretchers, oxygen tanks, blood pressure monitors, and other essential medical tools.
“Malapit na, pinapangako sa akin ni Mel [Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office General Manager Melquiades Robles] that by the end of the year, we will start already the second round,” Marcos added.
After the ceremony, Marcos proceeded to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City to personally check the implementation of the zero-balance billing system amid complaints of long queues.
“Dahil meron kaming naririnig na mahabang pila, mahirap pa rin, titignan natin paano natin aayusin,” he said, underscoring the government’s resolve to make healthcare more accessible.
Earlier in the day, the President also visited the P100-million RM Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project in Ormoc City, a facility designed to provide irrigation to 100 hectares of farmland, ensuring steady crop production for two seasons each year.
