KORONADAL CITY — Presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio advised residents here that they can now avail of medical assistance from the national government through the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) in Davao City.
Carpio, who graced the city’s 78th foundation anniversary celebration on Wednesday, said the Office of President Rodrigo R. Duterte had put up an assistance facility at the SPMC for residents from parts of Mindanao.
“PRD (President Rodrigo Duterte) has allocated funds for financial assistance to patients from different parts of Mindanao who are admitted at the SPMC,” she said, citing a message from the President.
She noted that there are many patients coming from areas outside of Davao City, including Region 12, who have been seeking treatment at the SPMC.
To avail of the assistance, Carpio said patients only need to approach the program’s in-charge detailed at the hospital.
The Office of the President released around P150 million last year for the rollout of a program that provides indigent patients with up to 75,000 in medical assistance.
It may also be availed by members of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and families already in financial crisis due to continued medication.
Carpio noted that the President remains focused on addressing the concerns and needs of the people, especially the poor.
She lauded residents and local officials for their continued support to the President and various initiatives of the national government.
“Rest assured that he will do everything in his power to realize the changes that he promised when he ran for President,” she said.
During her visit, Carpio held a brief dialogue with selected students and distributed bags as well as school supplies.
She also talked with members of women’s groups here and joined the awarding of the city’s model families.
The mayor clarified that she came here mainly to deliver the President’s message regarding the health care program for Mindanaons and advocacy on poverty reduction and “not for running sa Senate.”
Carpio, who was named in recent surveys as a potential senatorial candidate, reiterated that she is not interested in seeking a Senate seat. (AMS/PNA)
