Very few Filipinos have health checkups – study

A private research group expressed hope that the country's Universal Health Care (UHC) Law would encourage more Filipinos to have their annual health checks.

A study by the Capstone-Intel Corp. showed that only 40 percent of Filipinos go for annual medical checkups; 33 percent only get a checkup when they feel unwell; 15 percent rarely do so; 7 percent undergo medical checkups every two to three years; and 4 percent never get a checkup.

The study was conducted from August 1 to 10 with 1,205 respondents ranging in age from 18 to 65 years old.

The study noted that the frequency with which individuals undergo yearly medical checkups varies across age groups. It said 51 percent of those ages 45-54 receive annual checkups, followed by 50 percent in the 35-44 age range, 41 percent in the 25-34 age category, 38 percent in the 55-64 age range, 31 percent of respondents ages 65 and above, and 24 percent of those ages 18-24.

"The resolution of this health concern is contingent upon consistent and informed guidance from our government, especially since we have the Philippine Universal Health Care Act, which has benefits especially for seniors," Nic Conti, Capstone-Intel's chief of public affairs, said.

Capstone-Intel's study also revealed that income played a big part in the respondents' behavior when getting medical attention.

For respondents who earn less than P10,000 monthly, 32 percent seek medical checkups only when feeling unwell, 26 percent rarely have health checkups, and 16 percent have annual health checkups. However, more than 50 percent of those with a monthly income of at least P65,000 have an annual health checkup.

"In a move toward providing universal health care, the Universal Health Care Act was signed by the government in 2019. In 2021, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 9072, also referred to as the 'Free Annual Medical Checkup Act,' which is linked to UHC. The appropriate implementation of these initiatives is crucial in ensuring that our fellow citizens benefit from these measures," Conti noted.

The study further showed that a considerable percentage of individuals who undergo annual checkups are PhilHealth members, with a proportion of 36 percent, whereas only 3 percent of non-members reported undergoing such checkups.

Among those who receive checkups every two to three years, 5 percent are PhilHealth members, while only 2 percent are non-members. For individuals who undergo medical checkups only when they feel unwell, 25 percent are PhilHealth members, whereas 8 percent are non-PhilHealth members.

Source: Manila Times

One of world’s tallest art installations depicting Filipino resiliency unveiled in the Philippines

A new gigantic statue symbolizing the success of Filipinos across the globe was recently unveiled on the boundary of Pasig and Quezon City in the Philippines, and has joined the list of the tallest public art installations in the world.

The towering sculpture named "The Victor" dominates the landscape of a popular real estate development in Metro Manila as it stands at an astounding height of 60 meters, surpassing even the Statue of Liberty in New York, which measures 46 meters from heel to torch.

Designed by Filipino-American artist Jefre Manuel-Figueras, "The Victor" depicts a resolute figure with a raised fist, embodying triumph over adversity. It pays homage to the resilience and perseverance that resides within every Filipino.

Weighing a hefty 330 tonnes (660,000 lbs), the massive sculpture comes alive during the day, with sunlight filtering through its perforated stainless steel body. "At nighttime, this becomes one of the largest projection mapping projects in the world as an art piece," said Manuel-Figueras. "The Victor" is illuminated at night, radiating a sense of hope and inspiration for all who see it.

While the masterpiece is inspired by the success story of John Gokongwei Jr's real estate legacy, the artist said the sculpture aims to celebrate every Filipino, including those living and working abroad.

"Yes, it was inspired by his leadership, but the figure as we started the process was not an individual, but is about the heart and soul of the Filipino," he said via video call during a media preview. "It is to honor those hardworking Filipinos who are doing global accomplishments and still sort of honoring their Filipino pride,” he added.

"With The Victor embodying the spirit of triumph, hopefully people will be inspired by the success of Mr John and also carve their own path towards success and greatness," stated Mybelle Aragon-GoBio, Robinsons Land Corporation's SVP in a recent media event.

"The Victor" aspires to be more than just a visual spectacle as the vision includes plans to add functional spaces around the sculpture's podium, including art galleries and restaurants, transforming the area into a vibrant destination.

Source: The Peninsula

‘Flood-Free’ Metro Manila? Not Possible

Is it really possible to eliminate flooding in Metro Manila?

While the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting “zero flooding” by 2030, an official of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said a “flood-free” Metro Manila is not possible since some areas are below sea level.

DPWH-National Capital Region South Manila district engineer Mikunug Macud earlier said the target of DPWH and MMDA is to make Metro Manila “flood-free” by 2030.

“Our aim is by 2030, Metro Manila is flood-free. We believe it’s doable,” he said in an interview with GMA News. “The target of the DPWH and MMDA, our mandate is up to 2030, there will be no more flood and no more ugly road. All will be good.”

But in a separate interview, MMDA Task Force Special Operations head Edison “Bong” Nebrija admitted that “unfortunately, we cannot totally have flood-free Metro Manila.”

He noted that some parts of the region are below sea level, which is why they are focusing on the improving pumping stations so that it can discharge more water from flooded areas in a shorter period of time.

“If you notice, before when we have floods like this, it will take long for it to subside. But now, it takes only hours for us to pump out the water,” Nebrija said, noting the improved capability of the pumping stations.

The MMDA official also bared plans to improve waste reduction programs and “garbage monitoring,” noting the amount of solid waste clogging drainage systems despite year-round declogging and clean-up activities.

“We buy the plastic to take them away from consumers and recycle them so this will not be part of the problem anymore on the streets and drainage on esteros (canal) when the rainy season comes,” he said.

Nebrija’s comments came after heavy flooding due to rains hassled motorists and commuters along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) earlier on Thursday.

According to SLEX’s Twitter account, traffic reached up to 17.3 kilometers from the Alabang viaduct’s northbound lane by 10 a.m.

It was later reported that a Bicutan mall’s ongoing expansion hit a drainage system, which caused the flooding in the area.

Aside from the continuing problem of clogged drainages in some areas, Nebrija said the high amount of rainfall also contributed to the flooding.

“The sudden rainfall, the volume of water that has fallen in Metro Manila (on Wednesday night, July 12)… for a short period of time, that created the flood,” he said during the interview.

“The pumping stations helped to pump out (the flood waters) to Pasig River and even though there was flooding, it did not last long,” he added.

Likely to happen again

In an interview on “One Balita Pilipinas” on One PH on Friday, July 14, MMDA acting chairman Don Artes said heavy traffic jams can re-occur in the area until the drainage is repaired.

“That’s why our pump systems have been placed on standby… so in the event that it rains heavily, our people can start draining immediately to avoid heavy floods,” Artes said in Filipino.

Like Nebrija, Artes said they are working on further improvements in response measures.

He said the DPWH plans to increase the pumping stations through funding from the World Bank.

“Existing stations will be rehabilitated to increase capacity. Improvements are continuous and I can say once done, this will provide much relief during times of flood,” Artes said.

Artes said they will are also developing a “drainage masterplan” for Metro Manila.

“This way, rain water will flow straight out of Metro Manila,” he said.

Source: One News