Wazzup Pilipinas!?
Securing a Municipal Health Certificate in Mandaluyong City has become a daunting task for employees and workers, as the process requires a series of medical and legal prerequisites. These include an X-ray, urinalysis, stool test, police clearance, and a community tax certificate (cedula). While the intention of the ordinance is commendable, ensuring the health and integrity of the city's workforce, the current execution leaves much to be desired.
A Test of Patience
Imagine falling in line for hours, jostling for space with countless others, all under less-than-ideal conditions. This is the reality for many residents who need to complete their requirements. With each document requiring a separate queue, the process feels more like a marathon than an administrative procedure. The ordeal is worsened by the state of the facilities conducting the medical exams and X-rays.
According to the people meaning the X-rays, they only have two units and they serve only up to a maximum of 500 people. That's 250 in the morning, 200 in the afternoon (they distribute numbers) which ends at 4 pm since office hours for government employees in Mandaluyong end at 4pm. But they allow overtime for 50 more these days since it's the season for renewal of health certificates making the total up to 500.
Crumbling Infrastructure Amid Promises of Change
The facility used for medical exams and X-rays is not only dilapidated but also pending demolition to pave the way for a newer building located at another area. While the promise of a modern facility sounds promising, its construction is far from complete. Are they waiting for the election to finish before they complete the new building? . In the meantime, residents are left to endure the discomfort of an outdated and unsafe environment.
Though they do have seats, they are still not enough leaving many still either standing or waiting outside. The current facility is only at an open area with only tarpaulin tents and also not entirely shielding them from the sun and pollution.
The situation still highlights a disconnect between policy and implementation. While the city aims to enforce health and safety standards, it has failed to provide adequate infrastructure until today to support its own requirements.
According to another staff at the medical health office, the building they were supposed to transfer to was started after the pandemic and may be completed anytime within the year. They are still waiting for the X-ray team to also transfer there so that both of their teams will be at one location. At the moment, their current area is still a sight for sore eyes, with even the ceilings seeming already about to fall into their heads.
The Human Toll of an Inefficient System
For those waiting in line, the experience is far from pleasant. The lack of proper seating, ventilation, and organization (though the staff tries hard to control) creates an environment of frustration and exhaustion. These challenges disproportionately affect minimum-wage earners and blue-collar workers, who often cannot afford to take time off from work for these procedures.
Stories from the queue paint a picture of resilience amidst adversity. One applicant shared, "I’ve been here since 5 a.m., and it’s now noon. I’ve only completed one step." Another expressed concerns about the health risks of spending hours in a crowded, poorly ventilated area—ironically, while trying to secure a health certificate.
A Call for Reform
Mandaluyong City prides itself on being one of Metro Manila's progressive cities, yet this issue reveals a glaring oversight. The city government must address the immediate concerns of its citizens by expediting the construction of the new facility and implementing interim solutions. Possible measures include:
Establishing temporary satellite offices to distribute the crowd and shorten queues.
Introducing online pre-registration to minimize physical presence and streamline the process.
Providing better amenities such as shaded waiting areas, drinking water, and priority lanes for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
Learning from Other Cities
Other cities in Metro Manila, such as Pasig and Taguig, have made strides in digitizing their public services. Mandaluyong could look to these examples for inspiration, incorporating technology to make the process more efficient. Online submission of requirements and appointment scheduling could drastically reduce the burden on both residents and city employees.
Conclusion
Mandaluyong City has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that health and administrative services are not only accessible but also humane. While the intention behind the Municipal Health Certificate ordinance is valid, the current system is failing the very people it aims to protect.
The ongoing renovation of the facility offers a glimmer of hope, but the city must act now to address the immediate challenges. The people of Mandaluyong deserve a process that respects their time, health, and dignity—after all, they are the backbone of the city's workforce.
As we await change (will this be more visible in time or after the campaigns and elections), its time for citizens, local leaders, and stakeholders to come together and advocate for a system that truly works for the people. Until then, the struggle for a Municipal Health Certificate remains an unnecessary trial for many.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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