By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marked his 68th birthday on Saturday in a modest yet meaningful way by visiting the Valenzuela Medical Center in Valenzuela City.
President Marcos Jr. was welcomed by healthcare workers and hospital staff holding banners with birthday greetings, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Marcos personally checked the implementation of the zero balance billing (ZBB) policy, which aims to ensure that Filipinos, particularly the poor and vulnerable, can access affordable and quality healthcare.
Under the ZBB, patients in Department of Health (DOH)-run hospitals no longer need to pay for medical services, medicines, or doctors’ professional fees.
DOH data showed that daily average admissions in its hospitals increased to 4,067 from 3,297 after the policy’s announcement.
The President also toured the hospital’s key facilities, including the pediatric ward, Kangaroo Mother Care unit for preterm and low birthweight infants, and the surgery section.
He was joined by First Lady Liza Marcos and their son, Joseph Simon Marcos.
The First Lady earlier took to Facebook to greet her husband.
“Happy birthday to my partner in everything. So grateful for every laugh, every adventure and every moment we share. Love you to the moon and back!!” she posted.
