‘PARKS AND PUBLIC HEALTH’: Marcos touts Iloilo parks, unveils free hospital care

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lauded Iloilo City’s public health-oriented spaces and announced the expanded implementation of Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) in public hospitals during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 18.

In his 1-hour and 11-minute speech, Marcos emphasized the importance of open spaces such as parks and plazas in promoting physical activity, particularly in light of rising obesity rates among Filipinos aged 20 and above.

He urged local government units to develop and maintain these spaces to support community wellness.

“Ipalaganap natin ang pagsasagawa ng mga palaro at mga paliga, mga fun runs at fun walks, pati na mga pa-aerobics at pa-zumba,” he said.

Iloilo’s 10-kilometer Iloilo River Esplanade—touted as the country’s longest linear park—is a popular spot for walking, jogging, and biking.

The Iloilo Sunset Boulevard, a 5-kilometer coastal road connecting to nearby Oton, also serves both transport and recreation with bike lanes, sidewalks, and viewing decks.

Officially designated as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines,” Iloilo City has around 50 kilometers of bike lanes.

Marcos also cited Iloilo as one of the cities implementing “Car-Free Sundays,” where certain roads are closed to motor vehicles to encourage walking and cycling.

“Magpatupad tayo ng mga ‘Car-Free Sundays,’ tulad ng ginagawa sa ilang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila, sa Baguio, Cebu, Iloilo, at Davao,” he added.

Since June 2024, car-free Sundays have been held at Festive Walk Iloilo in the Iloilo Business Park from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

The city government is studying a similar program along Calle Real, Iloilo’s historic downtown district, starting with two Sundays per month.

“I have requested the City Mayor’s Office legal team to coordinate with the pertinent city council committees for a carless Sunday, even if initially twice a month at the Calle Real,” former Mayor Jerry Treñas said in May 2024.

Zero Balance Billing in public hospitals

Marcos also confirmed the nationwide rollout of the ZBB policy in Department of Health hospitals.

“Itinuloy na natin ang zero balance billing. Libre po… Ibig sabihin, ang serbisyo sa basic accommodation sa ating mga DOH na ospital wala nang babayaran ang pasyente dahil bayad na ang bill ninyo,” he said.

The policy ensures no additional out-of-pocket payments for standard inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services, especially for PhilHealth members and other eligible patients.

While basic accommodation is free, upgrades such as private rooms may still incur charges.

The ZBB program began with 22 pilot hospitals nationwide.

In Western Visayas, three Iloilo hospitals are part of the rollout: Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center in Barotac Nuevo, Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Santa Barbara, and Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

PHP20 rice goes nationwide

Marcos also announced the nationwide launch of the PHP20 per kilo rice program, one of his key campaign promises.

“Napatunayan natin na kaya na natin ang bente pesos sa bawat kilo ng bigas, nang hindi malulugi ang mga magsasaka […] Ilulunsad na natin ito sa buong bansa, sa pamamagitan ng daan-daang KADIWA Stores at Centers sa iba’t ibang lokal na pamahalaan,” he said.

The program, initially implemented in select areas, offers subsidized rice to vulnerable groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, solo parents, and low-income families.

In Western Visayas, only Guimaras has launched the program since its pilot in May.

Marcos warned traders against price manipulation or exploiting farmers, saying violators will face charges of economic sabotage.

Labor groups criticize SONA

Labor groups criticized the SONA for failing to address long-standing labor and economic concerns.

Renato Magtubo, chairperson of Partido Manggagawa, said the president’s candid admission of government underperformance offered hope—but was followed by a “routine” checklist with no major reforms.

“The President’s candid admission of underperformance in the past three years set a promising tone for a better second half of his term,” Magtubo said.

“However, that hope was soon buried under a lengthy checklist of departmental functions—routine matters expected of any administration.”

He pointed out the absence of clear commitments to raise wages, end labor contractualization, or curb inflation.

Despite repeated calls from workers, the proposed PHP200 across-the-board wage hike and the security of tenure bill remain stalled in Congress.

“Katulad sa baha at bagyo, kailangan ang Presidente sa pagharap sa krisis na ito,” Magtubo said, likening the job crisis to a national emergency.

While Marcos acknowledged power and water supply issues, he stopped short of addressing their root causes, such as privatization—a policy that critics say has failed to deliver reliable and affordable services.

Magtubo said workers expected not just a report card but a “clear roadmap for change.”

Labor groups vowed to continue pushing for wage increases, regular employment, and pro-poor economic reforms as Marcos enters the second half of his term.