By BEHN FER. HORTALEZA, JR.

GOVERNMENT is on the right track pushing for the so-called “medical tourism” program for the country.

In brief, the program is about promoting the various medical skills and specialization available in the Philippines at more affordable prices than are provided by European and North American doctors and therapists. Many foreigners now look outward to Asian shores for their health treatments that come, as in the case of the Philippines, with the unique Oriental care and devotion.

As Filipinos right here in our homeland, we feel the hospital and clinic fees and rates for our own family’s medical treatment are already too high by common family economic standards. But to other nationals, especially their elderlies and handicapped, the bill is quite affordable and easy enough on their pockets.

Medical tourism as government-types now call it, would build on the Filipinos’ innate charm and native therapeutic resources – probably to include herbal medicine and faith-healing, areas for which we have become famous internationally for the services’ exotic and effective flavor. These two, in fact, also qualify as dollar earners for the country.

Even dental services here have been known to be patronized by our own balikbayans while here for family get-together or their traditional vacations. And our dear relatives from abroad swear by their mighty dollar that it’s cheaper to have their dentures repaired or cleaned here than in the States, for instance. Thus, they tend to put off a trip to their American dentists and just wait for their next visit to the Philippines for that service or treatment at possibly half the price in pesos.

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NO doubt the new Filipino hero is Manny Pacquiao of General Santos City.

As this goes to press Sunday, Pacquiao splendidly decked in the third round an off-form (again!) Erik Morales of Mexico to claim the crown and raise high Pinoy pride around the world.

Filipinos who take their politics and sports seriously are rejoicing all over. On the way to our final presswork at noon today, the streets of Dagupan were deserted, taking on an almost ghost city look. The reason, of course, was that almost everyone was off the streets and huddled in front of their TV sets to watch the national idol end the Mexican-Filipino ring rivalry.

Pacquiao did not disappoint us. In the ring today and in the previous bout with his nemesis, he was every inch a man who could do not wrong. His side steps and punches were precise and confident; on the side he also played to the gallery, unleashing the trademark flurry of punches that completely bewildered a terribly emaciated El Tterrible.

It seemed the Pinoy boxer could really do no wrong, even in the post-fight interviews which he gamely obliged to despite nursing a 39-degree fever. He was suave as suave can be.

The only time he’ll probably do a big and grievous wrong – to himself, most of all – is if he ever enters politics as some people are now urging him to do.

That would be a bad, very bad, career switch.

And we will be a fan no more.