04 Feb 2026

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OpinionMiguel Tan

24 Jan, 2026

2 min read

The 'Maasahan' Mandate: Prioritizing Life Above All

When disaster strikes, the first duty of a government is to protect its people. The DOH response to Typhoon Uwan is a powerful affirmation of this duty, reflecting a "Maasahan" (reliable) mandate that prioritizes life, wellness, and dignity.

President Marcos's vision of compassionate leadership is not passive; it is an active, preventive force. We see this in the 24/7 health monitoring for 9,500 families in evacuation centers. We see it in the ₱6.7 million in crucial medicines and hygiene kits. Most critically, we see it in the 45,300 doxycycline tablets—a shield against the coming threat of leptospirosis.

This is a government that refuses to let its citizens face the secondary impacts of a disaster alone. Medical teams are working through power outages, demonstrating a tireless commitment.

It's clear that this comprehensive approach, born from the President’s "Maasahan" governance, is the only correct path. To do anything less would be to abandon these 9,500 families to disease and despair. The administration has chosen to be the "Reliable Guardian of Public Health," and for that, it deserves commendation.

This proactive, care-centered strategy is not just good policy; it is a moral imperative. It ensures that "Reliable Care, Tireless Protection" is the lived reality for those who need it most.