President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reassured young Filipinos that the government will continue its push to eradicate hunger and improve healthcare services, directly responding to issues raised following his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA).
In a vlog released on Saturday, August 8, the President addressed correspondence from members of the Youth for Health Coalition. One notable message came from a youth detailing their family’s daily battle with food insecurity while their mother works as the sole breadwinner for a husband undergoing dialysis.
The writer questioned how national progress can be achieved if citizens remain sick and hungry—a sentiment Marcos agreed requires urgent government attention.
“Totoo ‘yan at hindi magiging maganda ang kalagayan ng ating bansa kung ang ating mga kababayan ay ginugutom,” Marcos stated.
To combat food insecurity, Marcos outlined ongoing government measures, including the Walang Gutom Program, nutritional support for students, and targeted rice distributions.
He highlighted that local government units are funded to distribute 10-kilo bags of rice to vulnerable families lacking three meals a day.
“At ito’y ginagawa namin hindi minsanan kung hindi anim na beses sa bawat taon,” he explained.
He also noted that feeding initiatives focus on kindergarten and Grade 1 students, extending to older learners in need so that hunger does not hinder their education.
“Hindi nila iniisip kung saan sila kakain kundi makapag-aral sila nang mabuti,” he said.
Addressing public health, the President cited the government’s Yakap program, which provides check-ups and medication for students, parents, and teachers alike.
Touching on the dialysis case mentioned in the youth’s letter, Marcos pointed to expanded PhilHealth coverage for dialysis and enhanced medicine subsidies, alongside broader support for conditions such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and mental health.
“Kaya’t halos libre na ang mga dialysis patient,” he noted.
Responding to additional letters raising concerns over youth exposure to alcohol, secondhand smoke, and other health hazards, Marcos pointed to systemic health reforms, such as zero-balance billing in Department of Health hospital wards and VAT exemptions on essential drugs.
“Napaka-importante na maganda ang kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan,” Marcos said. “Kaya’t ‘yan ang aming inuuna. Kaya’t napakataas na priority ang kalusugan ng ating kabataan, ang kalusugan ng ating mamamayan.”
Closing his vlog, the President pledged to keep reading public messages and seeking further solutions to the issues raised by everyday Filipinos.
“Titiyakin natin na kung meron pa tayong maaaring gawin upang matugunan ang mga inyong binabanggit na problema ay asahan ninyo na gagawin naman ng inyong pamahalaan ito,” he said.