DAVAO CITY — Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte is seeking to set up more government centers that will help poor Filipinos needing medical and funeral assistance in his city.
There are four satellite offices in the city — one each in the districts of Marilog, Bunawan, Toril and Paquibato. The main office is in the Southern Philippines Medical Center.
Mr. Duterte said these are not enough, adding that the offices are too far from many Dabawenyos. He said he would ask the City Traffic Transport and Management Office for an ideal location to set up a satellite office for the program called Lingap Para sa Mahirap (Care for the Poor).
Last year, the city started an online platform for people needing medical assistance. The aid also covered hospital and funeral bills, dialysis treatment, medical and laboratory procedures, medicines and other specific surgeries.
The mayor’s father, ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte founded the program in 2001 when he was still mayor. It has helped thousands of people not only from Davao City but also from nearby regions in Mindanao. — Maya M. Padillo