Ted Herbosa, the indefatigable man of the hour

THE Department of Health, in partnership with the Commission on Population Development and The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., held recently the 2024 National Conference on Family Planning discussing innovative strategies, enabling policies, and collaborative efforts to improve family planning services and sexual and reproductive health across the Philippines.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa delivered Pres. Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s opening remarks. Mayors from urban and rural areas in the Philippines, officials from state and private agency partners, and other key local and foreign stakeholders graced the two-day event. They particularly tackled strategic directions to strengthen the implementation of Universal Health Care Act and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of the Philippines in pursuit of better family planning and population management in the country.

I had the opportunity to meet the indefatigable man of the hour. Few people know that DOH Secretary Herbosa is the great grandnephew of our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, who served in the barrios when he was exiled, and for that “we can cull great inspiration of selfless service and patriotism.” Lucia Rizal is the mother of his grandfather.

As an emergency doctor, Herbosa has witnessed the struggles of the ordinary Filipino to access healthcare services as well as the gaps that the government can bridge for the people that it serves. That experience honed his perspective and competencies in the field. Having an on-the-ground training, he was molded to act with conviction and dedication in every step of the way. “In times of crisis, you cannot think solely of yourself, as the people already own you. Service lies at the heart of this profession, and though there might have been more economically benefiting opportunities in other places, I stood by my oath to serve the people,” he said to this columnist.

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The late ATOM founder Agapito “Butz” Aquino was honored November 30 during the 2024 Annual Honoring of Martyrs and Heroes at the Quezon City’s Bantayog ng mga Bayani Center. Other honorees were Ramon Alcaraz, Adolfo Alcances, Serge Cherniguin, Ceferino Gaddi, Roberto Jimenez, and Manuel Quiambao. Guest of honor was Quezon City Mayor Josefina “Joy” Belmonte.

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Global icon and Sparkle artist Heart Evangelista headlines GMA Pinoy TV with “Heart World.” Set to captivate audiences as it peeks into her vibrant life beyond the glitz and glam, this feel-good, vlog-style show is produced by Heart herself. Through a mix of personal storytelling, an exhilarating fashion week, behind-the-scenes access to her glamorous lifestyle, and snippets of her private life in Manila, each episode unveils the woman behind the public persona.

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Thanks to Sam Azurel for giving me an opportunity to receive the Amerika Prestige Awards Hollywood’s Inclusive Media Excellence recognition and to my fashion designer niece Ann K. Isip with her hubby Robert Bourque who represented me.

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It was nice to know other recipients of the 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever (SAPBA) Award through radio and TV guestings. Photographer Jamin Lim and I got to meet awardees Elyza and Robert Rivera, hosts of Pilipinas Ngayon Na! at DWIZ. Then Patrick Saburit of the Kylledmed Philippines and I met awardee Marc Logan (host of Patokitok Kalogan at DWAN AM 1206) and DJ Gabby. Later, Engr. Alyssa Joy Finca of the Finca Engineering Services and I met awardee Jigo Postolero, host of Jigo Live at Abante Radyo Tabloidista. Last November 28, awards committee chair Nirro Marcelo, Saleha Pangarungan Sacar of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos and I were guests in awardee People’s Television’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas.

I was joyful when my friends Salvacion Paparon of Sheanne Roll Up Door Construction Services, Chairman D. Edgard A. Cabangon of ALC Media Group and comedy bar owner Andrew De Real are awardees of the 2nd SAPBA Award to be held on December 8 at Winford Resort and Casino Manila. Other awardees are broadcasters/vloggers and radio/TV hosts Wej Cudiamat, Annabelle Surara and Earlo Bringas of NET 25’s Radyo Aguila, Braggy Braganza of 97.9 Home Radio, Dennis Antenor Jr.,  Conrado Cagas Tacgos Jr. (Johnny Bukol), DJ Mama Colleen, DJ Kuya Machete (Joey Sarmiento), DJ Gilbert delos Santos, Richard James B. Merck, PTV’s Audrey  Gorriceta, Miles Ocampo, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, retired PNP Lt. General Rhodel Sermonia of UNTV’s Wonderful Pinas, Isko Moreno of ISKOVERY NIGHT, Ambet Nabus, Dominic Almelor, Gretchen Fullido, Atasha Muhlach,  Niño Myrrh C. Tarinay, and Carlo Lorenzo.

Awarded singers-actors are Freddie Aguilar, Lae Manego, Carmela Betonio, Jos Garcia, Hagibis, Michael Pangilinan, Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong, Jona, Andres Muhlach, and comedians MC, Lassy, Kuya Isaac Sabaw (Ishaku Ishaya Monday), and Marian Rivera.

The other list of recipients are: Alexander John Fong, Media House Express, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, DWIZ-AM, William Jones, Janice Delima, Shirley B. Belangel, Bon Jheo Exconde, Dr. Elva Evasco-Auza, Edwin Lisa, Conelen Carino, Ravve Jay and Mherie Vic Prevendido, Ira Patricia Malaluan, Julia Mendoza, Jeff Madarang, Jane Darren Genobisa, Cindy Madduma, Keyrol Cabuso, Catherine Veluz-Zeta, Jomerle Evardone Matutino, Angelo Estera, Hazel May E. Baliguian, Dr. Jesus Recasata Jr., NWOW International Trading Corp., JP Catering Services, Intele Builders and Development Corp., Lucky GHL Advertising, JFBV, Matty’s Themed Events, Sapporo Products Inc., Lagniappe Printshop, Eyeleen Hair and Make up by Aileen Sebua, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Jam Lim Enterprises, Cave Beach Resort, Alegre de Pilipinas, The Metropolista, Light TV, RCP Ritmo Tambore, Win Radio, Bhylinn’s Modern Fashion, Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Venice Handicrafts Wooden Kiddie Stools and Furniture, Links Digital, Through The Glass Creatives, Densol’s Catering, Joyice Philippines, DWAN 1206 AM, Top 5 Mga Kwentong Marc Logan, SCPM Trading, Kpanfuel International Trading, Uno Construction International, Kherk Roldan Whitelabel SEO Solutions, MJ-AM Trading, Better Boneless, The Brewed Buddies Coffee & Tea Creations, Altech Autogate Int. Philippines Inc., SMRD Credit Collection Services, Faces and Curves, G-Film Rental & Capitol Medical Center Inc., Mariel Nicole Santiago of Genuine Diamonds PH, Charlomagne Arceta, Datu Kasan A. Karon Jr., Viomix Philippines, Phisavong World Travel and Tours,  and Atty. Persida Acosta.

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The first time I met actress Deborah Sun was when I joined Jeanne Young’s Spin-A-Win show on RPN Channel 9 years ago. Just recently I met her during the premiere night of Efren Reyes Jr.’s “Idol: The April Boy Regino Story” at Grand Duchess Ballroom of Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City. She has never changed for she remains humble, approachable and kind. More about her in a future issue of this column.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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