PRESIDENT Marcos Jr. yesterday recognized the contributions of his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, to the country, from establishing the nation’s first specialty hospitals to the promotion and development of Filipino talents and culture.
The President, in the 261st episode of the BBM Vlog, paid tribute to the former First Lady who celebrated her 95th birthday last July 2 and described her as very “determined” and “driven.”
“Taking a moment to appreciate the profound impact my mother has had, not only on our family but on the entire nation. Through her boundless love and dedication, she truly nurtured the soul of our country and helped turn countless dreams into reality. Celebrating 95 years of Imelda Marcos,” he said.
In opening his latest Vlog’s episode, the President featured a video clip showing him presenting to his mother the certificate proclaiming his victory in the May 2022 presidential elections and telling her that everything that he was doing was for her and his late father and namesake, former president Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The Chief Executive then acknowledged the former First Lady for her health advocacy, the result of which were the construction of the specialty hospitals in the country such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute, the Philippine Heart Center, and the Philippine Children’s Medical Center.
The President is expanding the specialty hospitals throughout the country. His goal is to put up 179 specialty hospitals around the country by 2028, or by the end of his term. At least 131 specialty hospitals have already been constructed nationwide.
Under Republic Act No. 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act that was signed in August 2022, the Department of Health (DOH) is designated to establish specialty centers in its hospitals in every region and in state-controlled specialty hospitals, prioritizing cancer care, cardiovascular care, lung care, renal care and kidney transplant, brain and spine care, trauma care and burn care, orthopedic care, physical rehabilitation medicine, infectious disease and tropical medicine, toxicology, mental health, geriatric care, neonatal care, dermatology, eye care, and ear, nose, and throat care.
The President believed that of all the projects and advocacies of his mother, the specialty hospitals have the most impact on Filipinos.
“Lahat ng specialty hospitals, ang daming binuhay niyan. Nakita naman natin napaka-effective niyan, kaya’t pinaparami natin. Sinusundan ko lang ang naumpisahan ng aking ina (All the specialty hospitals, it saved a lot of lives. We saw how effective they are, so we are multiplying it. I am just following what my mother started),” he said.
The President also acknowledged the former First Lady’s support for the promotion of Philippine arts and culture, including the establishment of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the Folk Arts Theater (FAP), which remain venues for shows featuring both local and foreign acts.
He said of all the “pet projects” of his mother, showcasing the Philippine arts, culture and the Filipino talents was what she enjoyed the most.
Marcos, who described his mother as a “probinsiyana” and “simple,” also recognized his mother for her ability to engage with charm and win over other people — regardless of their stature in society.
He said she treats everyone she meets equally regardless if they are the monarchs or rulers of other countries, billionaires or ordinary folks, including farmers and fisherfolks.
“Probinsyana talaga iyan. She’s really promdi and proud of it. Iyan ang charm niya, hindi nawala ang pagka-simpleng tao (She is really from the province. She’s really promdi and proud of it. That is her charm, and her being simple has not diminished),” he said.
The President said he is still trying to learn from his mother whom he said is the “master” in dealing with people.
Marcos said what he learned the most not just from his mother, but also his later father, is their love for the Filipinos and the Philippines to the point that they are willing to offer their lives.
“Simula nga ng umupo ako e nakita ko tama naman, ang galing-galing ng Pinoy, ang bait-bait ng Pinoy, ang husay-husay ng Pinoy, dapat talagang mahalin dapat talagang tulungan (From the moment I became a public servant, I saw they [parents] were right. The Filipinos are great, the Filipinos are kind, the Filipinos are good, they should really be loved and helped),” he added.
