I
watched the news last night and it saddened me upon learning that former Health
Secretary and Senator Juan Flavier passed away at the age of 79 because of multiple-organ
failure due to complications of pneumonia.
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| Juan Flavier's photo courtesy of rappler.com |
The respected ex-Senator started his political journey when
he was appointed as the Secretary of The Department of Health (DOH) under
President Fidel Ramos’s term in 1992, He
was widely recognized by his famous slogan of “Let’s DOH it,” inculcating the
positivity of the let’s-do-it attitude when it comes to health. He also implemented a stricter anti-tobacco
measures which led to the program known as “ Yosi Kadiri”. He was a great advocate
of public healthcare systems given his medical experiences as a doctor of rural
communities. He served the position before he ran for and won as senator in
1995.
He was re-elected in 2001 and served until 2007 tagged as the
“People’s Senator” as favored by the public because of his administrative
efficiency, sunny disposition, political insights and humor.
Short as he is at 4’11”, ex-Senator Flavier’s dedication and
efficiency in serving the people made him a giant in the Upper House. During
his Senatorial term, he authored a lot of acts and legislation laws such as the
Anti-Money Laundering Law, Poverty Alleviation Law, Clean Air Act and
Traditional Medicine Law. One of his campaigns is the reproductive health
program that promote contraceptives which were greatly opposed by the Catholic
Church.
The ex-Secretary retired from public service on 2008 although
remained as a trustee on the board of Philhealth and the SM Foundation.
He was confined in the National Kidney Institute starting September
11 and was in the said hospital's intensive
care unit until his death on Thursday.
According to ABS-CBN news “Flavier's remains will be brought
to the Church of the Risen Lord inside the University of the Philippines
Diliman campus Friday morning, where they will stay until Monday afternoon.
Cremation will follow Monday evening”.
The family discourages people from sending flowers but
rather said that they will announce a charity where they can donate.
Personally, I admire the Former Senator Flavier as a good person and a
true public servant and I will say that growing up, he in a way influenced my
perception about what good leadership is, and of cultural and spiritual values as I was an avid reader of his column in the Manila Bulletin entitled "The Barrio Breeze" that featured mostly parables about appreciating life and its simplicity and staying deeply rooted in the ground.
My sincere condolences to the family of the Former Senator
Flavier, his notable legacy will always be remembered.
Jessie Corpuz-Dericto, 29 years old is a
Freelance Writer, Blogger, Virtual Assistant and a nursing mom. She is also
into news and trends, fashion, photography, painting, sketching and the roller
coaster ride of motherhood. She loves sensible talks, long walks and activities
that will enrich both the mind and soul.
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