Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Thursday underscored the urgent need for a whole-of-government effort to achieve Universal Health Care (UHC), calling it the “widest part of the bridge” that connects the poor to a life of dignity and security.

Speaking at the National Universal Health Care Summit in Mandaluyong City, Secretary Remulla said: “There is only one mission that is primordial for all of us—to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. And that bridge, the widest part of that bridge, is healthcare.”

He emphasized that the drive for UHC is not only a social imperative but also aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to affordable and quality health services for every Filipino.

“We have many concerns. There is criminality, there is injustice, there is inequality. But health is the overriding principle towards all of that. If poor people have the same access to health as the rich, then we can say we have done our jobs,” he added.

Remulla also pointed out that health-related costs remain the top cause for financial collapse of Filipino families. “The number one cause of bankruptcy in the Philippines is health. It’s not business. It’s not gambling. It is health,” he stressed.

The DILG Chief also recognized the efforts of local government leaders who are advancing health service delivery. These include Quezon Governor Helen Tan for bringing services closer to the people during the pandemic, Batangas Vice Governor Hermilando Mandanas for strengthening LGU empowerment through the Mandanas ruling, and Quirino Governor Dax Cua for ensuring health services reach even remote areas.

He further expressed support for the President and the Department of Health’s zero-billing program under UHC, describing it as a transformative initiative. “Let us find that bridge. Let us narrow that gap.Let’s be together in forging that path to universal healthcare that we all deserve.” he said.

Original Article At: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Universal-Health-Care-Is-the-Great-Equalizer-Says-DILG-Chief/NC-2025-1169