The government is moving to ensure a smooth distribution of free medicines to the poor.
President Duterte has assigned the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) to supervise the implementation of the R1-billion free medicine program during a meeting in Malacañang last Monday.
The NAPC en banc meeting, first to be held in the last decade, was convened by the President to discuss a national action plan to reduce poverty in the country. The last NAPC en banc assembly was held on July 30, 2007 by then President Gloria Arroyo.
“President Duterte followed up on his instruction to convert Php 1 billion of his social funds for a program that would provide free medicine for the poor,” a Palace statement posted on the Radio-Television Malacañang read.
“(NAPC) Secretary (Liza) Maza said they are currently working on it with the Commission on Audit (COA), and have even come up with a name ‘LINGAP,’ which stands for Libreng Gamot para sa Masang Pilipino,” it added.
The President earlier announced he would use a portion of the R5-billion check he received from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) for the free medicine program. Duterte has promised that Filipinos who can’t afford to buy medicines will be assisted by the government.
Maza earlier said they are glad the President has taken the lead in addressing poverty issues in the country. She said the commission ensures active participation and representation of the basic sectors in governance.
“The government and the people should ‘push pa more’ to safeguard the rights and welfare of the poor, because everyone wins when poverty is alleviated,” Maza said. (GENALYN KABILING)