My birthday wishes

As I celebrate my 74th year on this planet, my thoughts turn to what I would like to see during my lifetime. So, I'm going to make some birthday wishes and hope they come true while I'm around.

- RAYMUND W. LO, MD, FPSP

I wish for a healthy Philippines, where the children are well-fed and nourished, free from intellectual and physical stunting; where health care starts from the primary level of disease prevention; where Filipinos do not wait until their illness is far-advanced before seeking medical care; where all can access the same highest quality of care regardless of station in life; where the Department of Health is geared toward solving the health issues instead of being a lumbering and unhelpful bureaucracy; and where health care is fully paid for by PhilHealth, which we have been subsidizing our entire working lives.

I wish for a well-educated Philippines, where children don't have to trek long distances and cross raging rivers to attend school; where the quality of education is the same high standard for all; where schools are well-built, well-equipped and well-maintained; where teachers are highly motivated, equipped with the proper learning tools, maintain the highest standards and are well-paid so as not to have to leave the country; where students can compete at the highest levels with other countries and not be a bottom-dweller in PISA scores; where all have equal opportunities to attend college without having to pawn the house; and where the Department of Education spends its budget wisely and not give it to a snack bar or treat.