Voters urge BSKE candidates to prioritize healthcare, environment
MANILA, Philippines — Filipino voters want to see healthcare and environmental projects, such as free medicines and sewerage clean-up, in the priorities of candidates running for the barangay and youth council elections.
Garry Concepcion, a person with disabilities (PWD), said Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) candidates must sustain and improve the provision of medicines and financial aid to PWD and senior citizens.
“Sa mga bitamina ng mga matatanda, financial assistance at number one priority ang mga PWD at senior citizens,” said Concepcion, a registered voter from Brgy. Mambog IV in Bacoor, Cavite, about what he is looking for a candidate in his village.
Noel Alpaz, a 52-year-old voter from Brgy. Vitalez in Parañaque City, wants barangay officials to improve health centers by increasing the number of available medical professionals.
“Dapat araw-araw may doctor. Kasi marami tayong mga ka-barangay na gusto magpakonsulta pero walang doctor. I-ischedule pa bago magka-doctor,” Alpaz said.
“Paano kung mayroong emergency ka na at pupunta ka roon sa barangay pero wala naming doctor. Dapat may first aid sa barangay,” he added.
Henry Sabater, an incumbent SK Chairman, revealed that healthcare for senior citizens is one of his priority measures in his candidacy as barangay kagawad.
Sabater emphasized that the budget for some 6,400 senior citizens in their barangay is only about P350,000 per year. He pointed out that he would push for higher funding for senior citizens if he gets a seat in their barangay.
“Kung ako po ay papalarin at ipapagkakaloob ng Poong Maykapal na ako’y manalo at maging halal na kagawad ng barangay. Ang hahawakan ko po na committee ay senior citizen, PWD and family relationship from SK. Kasi napansin ko napabayaan natin ang senior nung nakaraang taon,” he said.
Another issue emphasized by voters was the need for a better environment in their respective barangays. They argued that cleaner villages can lead to improved health and well-being of the residents.
Lambert Feliciano said one of the critical issues in their barangay is the persistent flooding. Feliciano is worried that cases of leptospirosis and even dengue could rise because of the
