THE TOWN of Toboso, in the northern part of Negros Occidental, is among the smallest local government units that has recently been reclassified from a third- to a second-class municipality.
Its current National Tax Allocation (NTA) stands at ₱245.22 million.
Yet Toboso—under the leadership of Mayor Richard Jaojoco—has rolled out an anti-poverty program so remarkable it deserves to be emulated by other LGUs.
Branded “Malasakit sa may Sakit,” the program provides free hospitalization in any private hospital nationwide for Toboseños who require specialized medical care unavailable in government-run facilities.
Each beneficiary, regardless of illness, may receive up to ₱250,000 in financial assistance, paid directly to the hospital.
Awe-inspiring.
NO POLITICS
I spoke with Mayor Richard Jaojoco about the program.
In explaining its framework, the mayor stressed that “Malasakit sa may Sakit” is strictly apolitical.
Since its inception in 2022, he said, municipal doctors are fully empowered to screen patients and determine whether referral to a private hospital is medically necessary.
No politician, he emphasized, can influence the doctors’ findings or recommendations.
To further safeguard the program, the Sangguniang Bayan passed an ordinance in 2022 institutionalizing “Malasakit sa may Sakit,” ensuring that it will continue—regardless of who sits as mayor—free from undue political interference.
10% OF ANNUAL BUDGET
Mayor Jaojoco said the budget allocated for “Malasakit sa may Sakit” amounts to only about 10 percent of Toboso’s annual NTA.
The question, then, is obvious: Why do this—and why is it legal?
First, Jaojoco candidly admitted that Toboso has little to showcase in terms of tourism promotion, aside from its annual Sag-ahan Festival.
At a glance, one might think there is nothing particularly distinctive about the town.
But through the now three-year-old “Malasakit sa may Sakit” program, Negrenses have gradually begun to notice Toboso.
Many now ask: How can a small town with a modest NTA afford such a program? And why can’t other LGUs do the same?
Take note: even the Commission on Audit (COA) has reportedly allowed—and recognized—the legality of this noble initiative.
PITY THE POOR
Mayor Jaojoco shared that the inspiration behind the program came from his wife, former mayor Madonnah Jaojoco, a nurse by profession.
What moved her to conceptualize “Malasakit sa may Sakit” was simple but powerful: pity for the poor.
“We saw poor Toboseños selling their animals—cows, carabaos—or pawning their land just to raise money to pay private hospitals when their loved ones were confined,” he said. “We didn’t want to see this happen again.”
The mayor said he wants every Toboseño to feel that government stands with them during a health crisis.
“That’s why we have ‘Malasakit sa may Sakit’—so they have something to lean on when confined in private hospitals,” he said with pride.
‘CRISIS LEADERSHIP’
This, to me, is crisis leadership.
“Malasakit sa may Sakit” is a clear display of the Jaojocos’ management skills—marked by adaptability, empathy, decisiveness, and clear communication—ultimately anchored on integrity.
Through this brand of crisis leadership, the Jaojocos are etching an indelible mark in public service—one truly worth emulating.
I am reminded of former US president John Quincy Adams, who once said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.”
Praising the Jaojocos for “Malasakit sa may Sakit” is, therefore, hardly political.
The program’s essence is astonishing, its impact undeniable, and its beneficiaries real—making it praiseworthy from any angle.
Through this initiative, the Jaojocos have institutionalized a program that the masa can truly feel and rely on.
“Malasakit sa may Sakit” reflects their genuine concern for the poor, anchored on a simple but powerful mantra: “Seeing is believing.”
Because of this program, they are not just earning praise, but also trust and respect—not only from Toboseños, but from Negrenses who cannot help but say: Wow.
Indeed—Yahoo, Toboso!/PN
