Flavier, a tough act to follow – Ona

The work done by former Health Secretary and Senator Juan Flavier for the country’s public health program is a tough act to follow, on-leave Health Secretary Enrique Ona admitted Tuesday.

 

“Johnny, pinahihirapan mo kami. Pinahihirapan mo kami nang husto because Johnny set the standard so high in public health that we are all pygmies as we stand on the shoulder of this small giant,” Ona said in his eulogy for Flavier, who died Thursday last week.

 

Ona said health officials after Flavier followed his initiatives but they were nowhere near the late official's achievement.

 

“We sow the fruits of what Johnny laid down in the early 1990s. His Oplan Alis Disease, Sangkap Pinoy, increasing the immunization offerings. Our most recent measles and polio program, unfortunately, fall short of what Johnny achieved more than 25 years ago,” he said.

 

He said Flavier is a master on public health because he loved the Filipino people.

 

“After graduation, pinuntahan niya ang road less travelled, ang public health care habang ang iba ay naging busy sa residency at hospital care,” he said.

Flavier's simplicity

 

Acting Health Secretary Janet Garin, for her part, thanked Flavier for sharing his life and touching the lives of the people through his simplicity.

 

She recalled one story narrated to her about Flavier’s simplicity.

 

She said Flavier declines hotel accommodations and stays, instead, in the quarters of the regional health director.

One time when Flavier arrived in a province at the wee hours of the morning and the quarters was still locked, he asked the airport security personnel, unaware who he was, to allow him to sleep at the airport.

 

When the regional director came, he was surprised to see Flavier sleeping in the airport. The director asked the guard what happened, to which the latter replied: “May nakitulog po na maliit na tao, pormal naman po ang itsura kaya pinatulog ko.”

 

Garin said it was only then that the guard realized he was with the Health secretary.

 

“He was an epitome of courage, wisdom and inspiration which live his life with a purpose,” she said.

 

Flavier’s former staff were one in saying that it was his simplicity and humility that endeared him to them. They said the former Health secretary always remind them and the hospital directors not to prepare a lavish lunch or dinner for him.

 

Dr. Susan Mercado, Flavier’s former head executive assistant, and Health undersecretary Juan Nañagas, said the late Health secretary was always looking for boiled peanuts, corn, bananas, and sweet potato when visiting hospitals or regional offices.

 

“Ang sabi niya wag na kayong maghain dahil alam ko namang kukunin nyo yan sa budget sa pagkain ng mga pasyente,” Nañagas recalled.

 

Flavier was also remembered for being a good communicator who does not need a long speech.

 

“He is always telling us that he will not ready anything that is beyond one-page which made our work easier,” Ramon Navarra, Flavier’s former executive assistant, said.

 

Flavier’s former staff and colleagues vowed that they will live his memory by following his example. — RSJ, GMA News