VG Rene leads panel on ordinance for senior citizens 

Vice Governor Rene Relampagos spearheads the discussion of his proposed ordinance, the Buhat Pasultihon Free Medical Assistance Program for Boholano Senior Citizens.

Last Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) convened as the Committee on the Whole to tackle Relampagos’ proposed ordinance.

Joining the committee are the following resource persons: Atty. Nilo Ahat, Provincial Legal Office and Acting Provincial Administrator; Atty. John Titus Vistal of the Provincial Planning and Development Office; Peter Ross Retutal, Provincial Budget Officer; Eustaquio Socorin, Provincial Treasurer; Dr. Cesar Tomas Lopez, officer in charge of the Provincial Health Office; Carmelita Tecson, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer; Alvaro Gujol, President of the Provincial Federation of Senior Citizens in Bohol and National Vice President together with his Provincial Vice President, Leopoldo Garma.

Gujol expressed his gratitude, on behalf of all senior citizens, for the Provincial Government’s continuous effort to take care of the senior citizens within the province.

“Dakong kalipay na among nabati ang tinuoray na gugma sa atong mga opisyales sa probinsya sa Bohol alang sa mga senior citizens.”

At the onset of the discussion, Lopez affirmed that diabetes, arthritis, and hypertension are among the top ailments that the elderly usually suffer. As such, free oral medicines for hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis would greatly help senior citizens not only maintain their health but also help alleviate financial burdens on them and their families. Free multivitamins may also be provided if the budget allows.

Relampagos emphasized the importance of taking care of the elderly and the mandate of the current administration of making healthcare modernized and accessible.

At the end of the committee meeting, it was moved to submit the committee version for second reading.

The Buhat Pasultihon Free Medical Assistance Program for Senior Citizens is considered to be one of the Provincial Government’s priority social service projects for the calendar year 2022. According to Relampagos, the project has already been earmarked with a budget of P100 million.

Relampagos stressed that this initiative is not just a mere plan but a project the august body wishes to leave as one of the legacies of the 28th Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

“Dili ni saad, gibuhat jud ni nato. This benefits all Boholano families, and this is a legacy that we want all Boholanos to enjoy in the years to come,” he said.