Biñan City Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” B. Alonte is a staunch advocate for accessible healthcare, driven by the belief that every citizen, regardless of their economic status, has the right to quality medical care.
He recognizes that health is the cornerstone of a thriving community and he is committed to breaking down barriers that prevent residents from accessing the care they need.
Ospital ng Biñan-Phase II
His vision for Biñan City includes a comprehensive healthcare system that is not only responsive but also proactive in addressing the health needs of its people.
To achieve this, Gel authored an Ordinance for the establishment of Mobile Health Clinics that will bring essential medical services directly to underserved and remote areas, ensuring that even the most vulnerable populations receive timely care.
He is also a strong proponent of expanding the city’s public health infrastructure, including the enhancement of local health centers and the implementation of specialized programs focused on preventive care, maternal and child health, and chronic disease management.
His dedication to healthcare extends to his support for affordable medication programs, ensuring that life-saving drugs are within reach for those who need them most.
Through these initiatives, Gel is working tirelessly to create a health system in Biñan City that leaves no one behind, where every resident can access the care that they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
Beyond sports, the Vice Mayor is deeply committed to health and wellness initiatives, with a particular focus on pediatric and elderly health, dental care, and palliative care for cancer patients.
His leadership reflects a heartfelt commitment to the well-being of his community, especially its youngest and most vulnerable members.
#TATAKGEL
Vice Mayor Gel bared that the city is eyeing the expansion of Ospital ng Biñan in a bid to concretize the city’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare.
Ospital ng Biñan-Phase II includes a motor pool, triage, power room, and morgue, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to serve more patients and offer better healthcare services.
From the present 100-bed capacity, the expansion project will make the city’s public hospital to a 250-bed capacity, directly benefitting the approximately 400,000 residents of Biñan, as well as neighboring areas that rely on the hospital for medical care.
Biñan City residents are not oblivious to Gel’s personal advocacies. Aside from education, his health programs are well known.
Under the #TATAKGEL branding, the Vice Mayor has initiated various health programs that include the “Kalinga ng AnGEL.”
Initiated in 2018, “Kalinga ng AnGEL” is a personal advocacy driven by Gel’s experience of having his own child diagnosed with cancer and has since been cured.
This profound experience made him realize the challenges faced by families dealing with cancer, particularly those lacking the financial means for treatment. Motivated by his blessings, he pledged to support indigent cancer patients.
“I have a child who is a cancer survivor. That’s why I started this program because I can feel what parents of these children with cancer feel,” said Gel.
As of June 2024, the “Kalinga ng AnGEL” initiative has served 102 cancer patients, providing comprehensive support that includes medical assistance and access to essential resources.
Under the program, patients have been referred to national agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and various Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) for chemotherapy sessions, medical support, and financial aid. Additionally, the program ensures ongoing palliative care through regular visits from trained staff.
Spearheaded by Gel’s wife, Jhozalyn M. Alonte, “Kalinga ng AnGEL” reflects the deep empathy and commitment that the couple shares toward helping cancer patients and their families.
COMPREHENSIVE OPTICAL CARE
Since his first term as Biñan City Vice Mayor, Gel Alonte has been a strong advocate for comprehensive optical care in the community. Recognizing the importance of vision in daily life and education, he initiated a program offering free eye check-ups and prescription eyeglasses to various sectors, ensuring that those in need receive proper eye care.
Key highlights of this Comprehensive Optical Care initiative include:
1. Free Eye Check-Ups and Prescription Eyeglasses. From the beginning of his term, Vice Mayor Alonte made optical care accessible by providing free eye check-ups and prescription eyeglasses. This initiative was designed to address vision problems that could hinder academic performance, work efficiency, and overall quality of life;
2. Partnerships for Quality Care. The success of the optical care program is largely due to strategic partnerships with Optodev (Essilor Luxottica) and Mendoza-Camba Optical Clinic. These collaborations have ensured that beneficiaries receive high-quality optical services and eyewear;
3. Broad Beneficiary Reach. The program is inclusive, catering to a wide range of beneficiaries across the community. Starting with Day Care, Elementary, and High School students, it extends to Senior Citizens, City Employees, Barangay Workers, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Solo Parents, Public Market Workers, and Frontliners. Each group benefits from tailored optical care, ensuring that no one is left behind; and
4. Impact on Education and Workforce. For students, particularly, this initiative has been instrumental in improving academic performance by addressing undiagnosed vision issues. For workers, including those in the public market and frontline services, clear vision is crucial for productivity and safety.
Through this comprehensive optical care program, Vice Mayor Gel has significantly enhanced the quality of life for many in Biñan, demonstrating his commitment to the well-being of all community members.
CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING & TREAMENT
In 2022, Vice Mayor Gel launched a vital Cervical Cancer Screening program aimed at protecting the health of women in Biñan. Recognizing the importance of early detection and treatment, the program was established in partnership with Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital’s Health and Human Development Foundation, Inc. and the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (JHPIEGO), an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University.
Key Aspects of the Cervical Cancer Screening Program include:
Target Population. The program specifically focuses on women aged 21 to 49 years old, who are most at risk for developing cervical cancer. By targeting this age group, the program ensures that those most in need receive critical health services;
Advanced Screening and Treatment. Through this initiative, women in various barangays were provided with free cervical cancer screenings. The screenings were followed by early treatment of precancerous lesions using advanced thermal ablation technology, a modern and effective method to prevent the progression of cervical cancer;
Partnerships for Enhanced Healthcare. The program’s success is underpinned by its partnerships with respected institutions. Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital’s Health and Human Development Foundation, Inc., and Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Johns Hopkins University brought their expertise and resources to ensure that the screening and treatment processes were of the highest standard;
Memorandum of Agreement. To formalize and sustain this important health initiative, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the City of Biñan and Evangelista Medical Specialty Hospital. This agreement solidified the commitment of both parties to continue offering this life-saving service to the women of Biñan; and
Impact on Public Health. The introduction of this program has had a significant impact on public health in Biñan, providing women with the opportunity for early detection and intervention, thereby reducing the incidence and severity of cervical cancer within the community.
Through this program, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte has once again demonstrated his dedication to the health and well-being of Biñan’s residents, particularly its female population, by ensuring access to crucial cancer prevention services.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Under the #TATAKGEL branding, Vice Mayor Gel Alonte has implemented the following programs:
WISH UPON AN ANGEL is a heartfelt program initiated by City Vice Mayor Angelo “Gel” B. Alonte of Biñan. Launched as part of his dedication to uplifting indigent families, the program identifies and selects beneficiaries who are in need of livelihood, medical, or financial assistance. Through this initiative, Vice Mayor Alonte and his team offer crucial support to help families sustain their daily needs and address pressing concerns such as health issues and financial hardships. “Wish Upon an Angel” reflects Gel’s commitment to improving the lives of his constituents, ensuring that no family is left behind in times of difficulty.
KAPIHAN SA BARANGAY is a grassroots initiative launched by Vice Mayor Gel Alonte in April 2024, aimed at fostering open dialogue and consultation between the City Government and the 24 Barangays of Biñan. Through this program, Gel personally visited each barangay, engaging in consultative meetings with Barangay Officials to discuss their ongoing programs and projects for their constituents. The goal of these meetings was to identify ways in which the City Government could provide additional support and resources to address the needs of the local communities.
During these visits, Gel not only met with the officials but also took time to engage in a heart-to-heart dialogue with the residents of each barangay. These conversations allowed constituents to voice their concerns and share their experiences directly with the Vice Mayor. In response, Alonte extended various forms of assistance, ranging from medical support to financial aid, depending on the specific needs of the families or individuals he encountered.
The program reflects Gel’s deep commitment to bringing the local government closer to the people, ensuring that both officials and residents have direct access to city leadership, and addressing the immediate needs of the communities through responsive governance. “Kapihan sa Barangay” is a testament to Alonte’s inclusive approach to leadership, prioritizing the welfare of Biñan’s barangays and fostering stronger relationships between the City Government and its constituents.
BARANGAY SESSIONS is an innovative legislative initiative introduced by City Vice Mayor Angelo B. Alonte, as the Presiding Officer of the City Council of Biñan. Through this program, Vice Mayor Alonte, in collaboration with the Liga ng mga Barangay, ensures that the Regular Session of the City Council is held once a month in each of the 24 barangays of the city, rather than exclusively within the confines of City Hall. This groundbreaking move aims to bring the legislative process closer to the grassroots level, making it more accessible, transparent, and engaging for the local community.
The key objective of Barangay Sessions is to foster direct consultation with different sectors in the barangay—such as local leaders, business owners, youth, women, and marginalized groups—to better understand their concerns, needs, and aspirations. By holding sessions in barangays, the City Council members are able to listen to the voices of the constituents firsthand, making the lawmaking process more participatory and responsive to the realities on the ground.
During these sessions, the Council discusses and deliberates on ordinances, resolutions, and other legislative matters, with an open platform for barangay residents to raise issues and share feedback. This approach also strengthens the collaboration between the City Government and barangay officials, ensuring that enacted laws address the actual needs of the communities and encourage active participation from the citizens.
The Barangay Sessions program, spearheaded by Gel, not only enhances transparency and accountability but also demonstrates his commitment to inclusive governance. By bringing the legislative process to the barangays, the initiative breaks down barriers, empowers local residents, and ensures that the voices of all sectors are heard in the development and enactment of laws.
FUTURE HEALTH PROGRAMS
Vice Mayor Gel said he will endeavor to expand the health services to include mental health services, which is a must for the overall well-being of the city.
He plans to introduce comprehensive mental health services, including counseling, support groups, and awareness campaigns.
“These programs will aim to destigmatize mental health issues and provide accessible services to those in need, particularly in schools and workplaces. The introduction of mental health hotlines and tele-counseling services is also being considered to ensure that support is available around the clock,” he said.
On the other hand, to further improve maternal and child health outcomes, there are plans to launch enhanced programs focused on prenatal and postnatal care.
According to Gel, these programs will include education on proper nutrition, breastfeeding, and early childhood development.
Additionally, mobile health clinics will be deployed to reach mothers and children in remote areas, ensuring that they receive timely care and support
“We will enhance our healthcare services by expanding access to medical facilities and implementing mobile health clinics to serve underserved areas. This will ensure that all residents receive timely and adequate medical care,” he said.
Gel further said that the Mobile Health Clinics and the Food Bank initiatives will be rolled out to the 24 barangays of Biñan City to improve access to healthcare and support vulnerable populations.
TELEMEDICINE, DIGITAL HEALTH PROGRAMS
In line with the city’s push toward becoming a smart city, Gel plans to implement telemedicine and digital health solutions.
These initiatives will provide residents with remote access to healthcare services, reducing the need for in-person visits and making healthcare more accessible, especially for those in rural or underserved areas. The telemedicine platform will include virtual consultations, electronic health records, and online prescription services.
Recognizing the importance of health education, Gel said he also plans to launch a comprehensive health education and promotion campaigns.
These campaigns will focus on raising awareness about lifestyle diseases, vaccination, sanitation, and hygiene practices. By educating the public, the goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
To address the healthcare needs of remote and underserved areas, he also said there are plans to deploy mobile health units that can provide a wide range of services, including medical check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and health screenings.
These units will be equipped with the necessary medical supplies and staffed by trained healthcare professionals. The goal is to bring healthcare closer to those who have limited access to health facilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Finally, Gel said the task of addressing the issue of malnutrition and promoting overall wellness remains a health priority in Biñan City.
He plans to implement nutrition programs in schools and communities, focusing on providing healthy meals and educating the public about balanced diets and the importance of physical activity.
These programs will be complemented by wellness initiatives such as community exercise programs, wellness fairs, and health challenges to encourage a more active and health-conscious lifestyle.
STP & FLOOD CONTROL
To protect and enhance public health, the Vice Mayor bared that the city is constructing a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Brgy. Dela Paz to significantly improve waste management in the city.
“We will also ensure strict compliance with waste segregation and recycling protocols in schools and public institutions, promoting a culture of health awareness and environmental responsibility. It benefits the entire population by providing cleaner water and a healthier environment,” Gel said.
Meanwhile, the rehabilitation and improvement of existing creeks and retaining walls in Zenaida Labrador Subdivision, Brgy. San Antonio, is crucial for flood control, protecting approximately 15,000 residents from flooding and associated health risks.
