No goodbyes, no tears for Flavier at DOH

MANILA, Philippines – There were no goodbyes and no tears as Department of Health officials and employees paid their last respects to former DOH secretary and senator Juan Flavier yesterday.

Rather than cry, those who attended the necrological service for Flavier at the DOH uttered his battlecry, “Let’s DOH it!” as they celebrated his work and bade farewell to the country’s most popular health secretary, who served from 1992 to 1995.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona said Flavier was a man of joy who led a wonderful life.

“His programs and memories will remain in our minds and hearts,” Ona said.

Ona said Flavier set such a high standard as health secretary that all his successors paled in comparison.

“He really was a master on public health… Johnny has set such a high standard, particularly in public health, that we are almost like pygmies standing on the shoulder of a giant,” he said.

According to Ona, the programs that Flavier initiated in the early ’90s have become the foundation of current health programs.

Among the programs Flavier initiated were Doctors to the Barrios, Yosi Kadiri, Oplan Alis Disease, Oplan Sagip Mata, Hataw Fitness, Pusong Pinoy and Hospitals as Centers for Wellness.

“These programs shaped the health sector into what it is today. Many of our programs are actually fruits of what he laid down in the early 1990s. These are the embryos of Johnny’s desire to improve public health,” Ona noted.

Last Thursday,  Flavier died at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI)  due to pneumonia. He was 79.

Ona said Flavier was two years ahead of him at the University of Philippines medical school. After finishing medicine, Ona said Flavier opted to take the road less traveled and became a rural health doctor.

Flavier’s eldest son, Jonathan, said the outpouring of love for his father enabled their family to let go.

“You have shown so much love for our family and we appreciate it a lot. The honor and praises you said about our father enabled us to let go,” he said.

PhilHealth president Alexander Padilla, former health secretary Carmencita Reodica and former DOH undersecretaries Mario Villaverde and Juan Nanagas also came to pay their last respects to Flavier.

The beneficiaries of the Doctors to the Barrios program were also present and offered songs.

Flavier’s remains were taken from the DOH after the necrological service and cremated at the Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium in Quezon City.