Partido Sa Bagong Pilipino (PBP) Partylist Highlights Legislative Agenda

By Mona Lagbas

Water security and barangay healthcare top the legislative agenda of the Partido Sa Bagong Pilipino (PBP)Partylist.

"Underserved barangays deserve priority as PBP partylist, when elected into Congress, plans to initiate resolutions that would capacitate villages and address long-standing concerns," said 1st nominee Gregorio "Goyo" Larrazabal.

"First legislation would be the Affordable and Accessible Potable Water Act, which will enable barangays to establish and maintain community water systems with clean and safe drinking water in underprivileged villages in coordination with local government units and assisted by subsidies and public-private partnerships. Another act would be the Climate-Resilient Water Systems Law that will develop disaster-resilient water infrastructure, which will address risks posed by typhoon, droughts, and flooding. We will also promote the development/adoption of rainwater harvesting systems in both rural and urban areas," added Larrazabal.

Goyo, the youngest-ever former Comelec commissioner, emphasized that these two water security acts will provide stricter penalties for water pollution by commercial and industrial entities while at the same time strengthen environmental laws that would protect esteros, watershed, rivers and other water sources.

"On the other hand, PBP partylist will propose the

Essential Medicine and Supplies Accessibilty Act, which will streamline procurement/distribution systems to ensure that barangay health centers (BHC) are equipped with essential medicines, vaccines and medical supplies. This Act will also subsidize life-saving medication for indigent patients. ", disclosed Larrazabal.

"In relation, PBP partylist also proposes legislation of the Barangay Digital Health Intregation Act, which will equip BHCs with electronic health records (EHR) systems to improve patient data management and ensure continuity of care. This Act will also promote telemedicine platforms to connect BHCs with urban hospitals and specialists. Added to this Act would be the Primary Care First Initiative that will shift the focus of BHCs to preventive care, early diagnosis, and chronic disease management. This initiative will also implement health education programs at the barangay level, concentrating on nutrition, maternal health, sanitation, and disease prevention, "said Larrazabal, a lawyer by profession.

PBP or Partido Sa Bagong Pilipino Partylist is number 91 on the ballot.