By Beatrice Puente
(June 1, 2022) – Netizens on Tuesday expressed their gratitude to mark the end of the telemedicine consultation project that Vice President Leni Robredo launched at the height of the COVID-19 crisis, recalling the experiences they had with the free program.
Robredo made an announcement last week that the Bayanihan e-Konsulta will end on May 31 as the Office of the Vice President (OVP) prepares for the transition to the incoming administration. She took to social media to laud the doctors, health personnel, and other volunteers who took part in the initiative.
“Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa lahat ng nakasama natin,” said Robredo on Twitter. “At sa lahat ng mga kababayan na ating natulungan sa Bayanihan e-Konsulta, malaking karangaalan para sa amin na kayo ay mapaglingkuran.”
Huling araw ngayon ng ating Bayanihan E-Konsulta initiative.
Since we launched the program in April 2021, we have assisted more than 58,000 cases—both COVID and non-COVID patients. This was made possible by volunteers, including 947 doctors and 1,761 call/chat agents. pic.twitter.com/RL3caxC2HS
— Leni Robredo (@lenirobredo) May 31, 2022
Her daughter, Tricia Robredo, was one of the medical volunteers in the program. She finished her double degree in medicine and business administration from the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health in 2020. She passed the licensure exams later that year.
For her, the end of Bayanihan e-Konsulta was “the end of an era” since it was one of the major projects she had after becoming a full-fledged doctor.
“BEK was one of the major projects I took on after passing the boards. So this truly feels like the end of an era. Wouldn’t be the physician I am today without this experience. Maraming iniyak, maraing natutunan. Salamat sa bulabog at salamat sa paghubog, BEK,” said the younger Robredo.
BEK was one of the first major projects I took on after passing the boards. So this truly feels like the end of an era. Wouldn’t be the physician I am today without this experience. Maraming iniyak, maraming natutunan. Salamat sa bulabog at salamat sa paghubog, BEK. ? pic.twitter.com/jcaS4JrRRX
— Tricia Robredo (@jpgrobredo) May 31, 2022
Other volunteers also changed the frames of their profile pictures to commemorate their participation in the successful project, which provided assistance to more than 58,000 cases since it was launched in April 2021. The OVP got the help of close to 950 doctors and 1,761 call and chat agents.
As a volunteer, Bayanihan-E-Konsulta gave me the opportunity to serve more people outside my specialization & outside my comfort zone?#ThankYouVPLeni #BayanihanEKonsulta#AlwaysProudBEKVolunteer pic.twitter.com/BTdD17yDuV
— DocHappy?? (@DocHappy95) May 31, 2022
Today is the last day of #BayanihanEKonsulta.
I’m proud to be part of this initiative as one of its doctors who worked alongside w/ an amazing set of volunteers. Salamat VP @lenirobredo at sa buong OVP for the opportunity to help our kababayans!#SalamatBEK#SalamatVPLeni pic.twitter.com/7yVNoi7aU9
— RJ Naguit ? (@docrjnaguit) May 30, 2022
Bayanihan e-Konsulta will conclude in eight days. My honor to be part of this program that saved many lives during this pandemic. Your volunteer management head, forever signing out. #BayanihanEKonsulta pic.twitter.com/xHT0Ojd8Gk
— rejinel (@rejinelvalencia) May 23, 2022
Many netizens also congratulated the OVP for taking action at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and for reaching out to those who were in dire need of help.
I tried sending my last message to #BayanihanEKonsulta tonight but it’s closed. Maraming salamat @lenirobredo for saving my life during the 2021 Covid delta surge. Thank you & God bless all the staff, donors, & volunteers of your program #BusyPresidente #OVP #VPLeni #AngatBuhay pic.twitter.com/TAhF0Qjb5o
— Ariel Beloncio (@beloncio) May 31, 2022
From one sad news to another.
Maybe, all good things really must come to an end. Thank you Bayanihan E- Konsulta and to all the volunteers, salute and a warm bear hug! ??? pic.twitter.com/EYnDivtItc
— HopiaManiPopcorn ? (@HopiaMoneyCola) May 24, 2022
last day of #BayanihanEKonsulta and i hope one day when i become a doctor i can volunteer to something related with BEK. kudos to all the volunteers and to the OVP as well ?
— us (@justineeeemarie) May 31, 2022
Maraming salamat po VPLR sa tulong niyo sa aming pamilya nung kami ay nagka-COVID. Salamat din po sa tulong sa sambayanang Pilipino sa kanilang pinakamasalimuot na bahagi ng buhay. Maraming salamat sa Bayanihan E-konsulta. https://t.co/k7hUMNkeej
— rean (@rean_angelo) May 31, 2022
Thank you po! Isa ang pamilya namin sa mga natulungan ng Bayanihan E-Konsulta ?? https://t.co/DRZ9p6jSEB
— Ja Añonuevo (@JAvachiipp) May 31, 2022
Bayanihan e-Konsulta connected those with possible COVID-19 symptoms to medical professionals for free, seeking to decongest hospitals during the peak of the health crisis. It also provided care kits with medicines, thermometer, oximeter, face masks, alcohol, and disinfectant, among others.
Robredo admitted that it was initially launched to “fill the gaps” in the government’s COVID-19 response but they decided to expand it to a full-blown network.
The OVP also established the Swab Cab and Vaccine Express during the health crisis.
Robredo, whose term will end on June 30, will also stop accepting applications for medical and burial assistance starting today. She will hand over the OVP to Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Robredo plans to launch the Angat Buhay Foundation in July to continue her efforts in helping the public even as a private citizen.
(PM)
