Giant

HE MAY HAVE been small in physical stature but in everything else he was a giant. And now, we join the whole Filipino nation in grieving for the passing of a person who had become to personify public health services.

For all his achievements and contribution to the country and to the Filipino people, Juan Martin Flavier was not only an innovator in terms of packaging and implementing health programs, he was more so a leader who had done all the things he would later ask of other health professionals.

Before there was his doctor to the barrios program, Dr. Flavier had volunteered himself right after his graduation to become one. In essence, he found out for himself what our countrymen in the farthest parts of the country needed in terms of health service. All these experiences, he later transformed into various health programs. From Oplan Alis Disease that called for vaccination of babies and toddlers for various diseases; to Oplan Sagip Mata in response to the massive scourge of blindness; to formalizing the “Doctors to the Barrios” program; to the Stop TB program; the Yosi Kadiri campaign; and to the “Sangkap Pinoy” nutrition program.

But most of all though, Dr. Flavier would forever be identified with this ABC’s of Safe Sex campaign against AIDS. Courting the ire of the mighty Catholic Church, Dr. Flavier joked and cajoled his way through this campaign: A for abstinence, B for be faithful, and C for condoms if both earlier options fail. He would later follow this through with a population control program, putting him firmly in the Catholic hierarchy’s crosshairs.

After three years in the Health department—and effectively laying down the foundation for all his programs that are still being implemented up to this day—Dr. Flavier was drafted into the senatorial line up of then Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. The Catholic Church showed they haven’t forgotten and were really not in the mood to forgive as they campaigned hard against Dr. Flavier. Sadly for the Catholic Church—and happily for the Filipino people—Dr. Flavier placed fifth among the 12 winning candidates, totally debunking the myth of a “Catholic vote”. He was later reelected to a second and final term in 2001, this time placing second.

In the Senate, Dr. Flavier was “Mr. Perfect”, as he attended the most number of committee hearings and all Senate sessions. To top this, he authored and sponsored RA 9160 Anti-money Laundering Act of 2001; RA 9177 Declaring Eidul Fitr as a National Holiday; RA 9178 Barangay Micro-Business Enterprise; RA 9163 National Service Training Program for Tertiary Students of 2002; RA 9165 Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002; RA 9168 Plant Variety Protection Act; RA 9173 Philippine Nursing Act of 2002; and the recently enacted RA 9211- The Tobacco Regulation Act.

In all, Dr. Flavier lived a very purposeful and fruitful life. And we will forever remember him as the little giant who cared enough for everyone.

Farewell and thank you for “DOH”-ing it!