Political parties are part of the electoral process in the Philippines, which enables small political parties and marginalized and underrepresented sectors to obtain possible representation in the House of Representatives that is traditionally dominated by parties with big political machinery.
But more often than not, political parties are being used as vehicles for personal and factional political ambition in the guise of representing the marginalized and underrepresented sectors of society.
Anakalusugan party-list differentiated itself from other party-list groups in the Philippines because it is the only party-list advocating for personal health.
As we all know, health is everyone’s concern and business. However, chronic diseases—such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes—are among the most common, costly, and preventable of all health problems, but they are not being given priority by the government.
Advocating healthy lifestyle, bringing medical and relief aid to remote and underserved municipalities in the Philippines, helping make Filipinos healthy for a healthy Philippines, and pushing bills that promote health for all Filipinos are just some of the advocacies of Anakalusugan party-list.
After it filed its certificate of nominations, Anakalusugan nominees led by former Santa Teresita, Batangas City mayor and lawyer Adorlito Ginete, veteran politician Mike Defensor, and University of the Philippines Los Baños professor Emmanuel Andal, we are hopeful that Anakalusugan will deliver and fulfill its promises when it comes to the health concerns of our poorest of the poor, marginalized and underrepresented sectors of the society. We all need a party-list like Anakalusugan that is really concerned about our health, with its pledge to promote our health and wellness.
The overall Philippine health-care system is on a par with global standards, with Filipino medical staff being expertly trained. However, health facilities are found wanting, mostly insufficient.
There is also a big disparity between the quality of health care in public and private hospitals. The latter is being considered costly but it has advanced medical equipment, while the former, although good enough for some, still faces resource limitations. We want a health-care system that will provide adequate services to all citizens regardless of social status, age or gender.
With the success of Anakalusugan party-list, I look forward to that kind of health-care service for a better and healthier Philippines!
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