San fernando: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday provided financial assistance during his visit to the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) and San Agustin Elementary School in San Fernando City, La Union.

According to Philippines News Agency, during his visit to ITRMC, Marcos checked on the condition of patients and assessed the implementation of the government's zero balance billing policy, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing. Marcos also visited the hospital's key facilities, including the Orthopedic Department, Trauma Center, and the Oncology Ward, where he witnessed the zero balance billing process.

The ITRMC, a tertiary hospital with a bed capacity of 520, has a total of 828 employees. The zero balance billing policy implemented in the Department of Health (DOH) hospitals ensures that patients admitted to a ward or basic accommodation services do not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for their treatment.

Marcos also visited San Agustin Elementary School to lead the distribution of food packs from the Department of Education (DepEd) to 1,000 teaching and non-teaching staff members who were affected by the recent calamities, Castro said. Around 800 individuals, including teachers, non-teaching staff, students, and parents, were present during the aid distribution.

Marcos has directed concerned government agencies to maximize government resources in preparation for the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), while sustaining relief and rehabilitation operations for communities earlier affected by Super Typhoon Nando (international name Ragasa).