MEDICAL & BURIAL ASSISTANCE / PUBLIC AID PROGRAMS
In 2025, OVP provided medical assistance to 4,643 individuals and burial support to 1,377 beneficiaries this year despite budget constraints, and highlighted that they did not allow lack of budget to cut off services. She added “Hindi namin hinayaan na ang kawalan ng budget ay pumigil sa paghahatid ng serbisyo.” – VP Sara Duterte
Providing Hope: OVP Medical and Burial Assistance Initiative
The Medical and Burial Assistance Program was a social support initiative under the Office of the Vice President (OVP) during Vice President Sara Duterte’s term that provided financial aid to poor and vulnerable Filipinos to help cover medical expenses and funeral costs. Through OVP satellite offices nationwide, qualified applicants received cash assistance or guarantee letters for hospital bills, treatments, medicines, and burial expenses, helping thousands of families in need. In 2024 alone, the program assisted over 180,000 beneficiaries with more than ₱822 million in aid. However, in 2025 the program faced funding cuts after its budget item was removed from the national budget, leading to a pause in Medical and Burial Assistance.
Despite the significant challenge brought about by the loss of funding for social services in 2025, Vice President Sara Duterte affirmed that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) remained steadfast in its commitment to serve the Filipino people. She acknowledged that the funding constraints posed a serious obstacle, but emphasized that the office refused to let this setback interrupt the delivery of essential assistance programs.
Through strengthened coordination and collaboration with other government agencies, the OVP successfully secured alternative support to sustain its services. As a result, the office was able to provide medical assistance to 4,640 Filipinos battling various illnesses and extend burial assistance to 1,377 beneficiaries.
Vice President Duterte underscored that these accomplishments serve as proof that compassionate leadership and genuine dedication to public service can overcome limitations. Even in times of crisis, she stressed, there is always a way to continue helping those who need it most.