PARTIDO sa Bagong Pilipino (PBP) Partylist has pledged to prioritize access to potable water and essential medicines at the barangay level, aiming to improve basic health services nationwide.
Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, Atty. Goyo Larrazabal, PBP’s first nominee and former Commission on Elections commissioner, said their legislative agenda will focus on water and healthcare, which he considers fundamental to a dignified life.
“In the Philippines, 53% of Filipinos lack access to potable water,” Larrazabal said. “If you have access to safe drinking water, health follows.”
He pointed out the need to address basic necessities before tackling larger issues, emphasizing that having clean water at home fosters personal dignity.
PBP plans to push two key legislative measures: a Community Water System Act, which would establish local water systems in partnership with local government units and public-private partnerships, and a Barangay Healthcare Act, which seeks to ensure essential medicines are available in barangay health centers.
“Right now, most barangay health centers only have blood pressure monitors but lack medicine,” Larrazabal said. “We need an efficient system to distribute essential medicines where they are needed most.”
PBP aims to work closely with local governments to implement these initiatives, emphasizing that access to water and healthcare should be fundamental rights, not privileges.
