NCRO acknowledges Leaders of Health in Metro Manila
By Danica Lou Villena
(Photo courtesy of Roberto Belchez)
CITY OF MANILA – The Department of Health - National Capital Regional Office recognized the accomplishments of notable local government units in fulfilling the aspirations of the Philippine Health Agenda, through an awarding ceremony held at Century Park Hotel on September 27, 2017. This prestigious event was held in celebration of the agency’s 30th founding anniversary.
With the theme, “NCR-DOH30: Strengthening Partnerships and Recognizing Achievements in Health”, the LGUs successfully presented their achievements in health service, thus proving their commitment in improving the health status of their respective communities. Awarded in the ceremony were those who have achieved remarkable progress on Field Health Service Information System, Epidemiology and Surveillance Systems, Purple Ribbon Awards, Red Orchid Awards, National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP), Newborn Screening Programs, Dangerous Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program, Non-communicable Diseases Prevention and Control Plan, and many other health programs and advocacies.
The event was attended by Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial, Assistant Secretary Nestor Santiago, Local Chief Executives of NCR, hospital directors, city health officers (CHOs) and program officers from the seventeen LGUs and hospitals. DOH-NCRO Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia formally started the program by commending and recognizing the role of the agency’s partners and stakeholders in the propagation of the health sectors programs and advocacies. “…Meron pong dalawampu’t limang libong pamilya na nasa ating lansangan. At ako po’y nagpapasalamat na ang local government units and chief of hospitals ay nagtulong-tulong upang mabigyan po natin sila ng serbisyong medikal,” said Director Valencia in his opening message. He also highlighted the importance of continuing and improving the services in which the regional unit has continuously been providing for 30 years now: “serbisyong may puso, may malasakit,[at] may pagmamahal sa ating mamamayan.”
Secretary Ubial likewise acknowledged the many challenges faced by the agency since its founding in 1987. In her message, she stated that “DOH-NCRO stays true to its mission of guaranteeing optimal health for the urban populace particularly the poor and the marginalized, from then until now it has been made possible to the efficient use of available resources and the active intersectoral collaboration with different stakeholders.” Moreover, against these obstacles and other seemingly insurmountable challenges, she concurred that determination and perseverance is the solution. “Every time we fall we should always remember [what] our ultimate goal [is] and the lesson learned: get up and move forward,” she continued.
The health secretary further reminded that despite being a conglomeration of diverse communities, the vision of becoming a global leader in health will be made possible so long as there is a collective effort and positive interaction.