DEPARTMENT of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian has expressed gratitude to the 22 hospitals, pharmaceutical firms, medical suppliers, and distributors of assistive devices for partnering with the agency to expand the reach of its provision of guarantee letters (GL) to clients in medical crisis.
“Through this collaboration, we continue to be channels of hope for those going through traumatic and crippling situations, aiding them with vital support so they can cope and get through their crises.”
The new partners’ support paves the way for greater convenience and faster access to medical and related services for crisis-hit Filipinos, he said.
Under the partnership, clients of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations who are dealing with medical crises can now access services from the partner-institutions using DSWD-issued GLs.
GLs are issued to help indigent patients access medical care by assuring service providers that the government will cover part or all of their medical expenses.
‘Walang Plastikan 2025’
NAVOTAS residents, youth groups, and environmental advocates have gathered for “Walang Plastikan 2025,” a whole-day event held over the weekend aimed at reducing the use of single-use plastics.
The event was organized in collaboration with the EcoWaste Coalition and Smöl Productions, said Mayor John Rey Tiangco who reminded residents of the impact of plastic waste on the city’s coastal ecosystem.
He pointed to several initiatives already in place, including the 14 Juana Zero Waste Stores, which offer refill stations for essentials like vinegar, soy sauce, salt, and rice.
The city also enforces a ‘No Plastic Friday’ ordinance, which bans the use of plastic bags in businesses every Friday.
The mayor urged residents to make small lifestyle adjustments, such as bringing eco-bags, using refillable bottles, and practicing waste segregation, to help reduce plastic pollution.
Second ‘NavoRun’ held
The city government of staged the second edition of NavoRun at Navotas Centennial Park where 636 runners joined the 16-kilometer and 8-kilometer categories.
First held in 2024, NavoRun has become an annual run for a cause, combining fitness, sports tourism, and community service.
Proceeds will benefit the Josefheim Foundation, which supports the sick and elderly, and the Navotas Drum and Bugle Corps, a group that hones musical talent.
Tiangco said the event also aims to put the city on the map as a running destination, citing the growing running culture along C4 Road and R-10 where residents regularly jog, bike, and exercise.
