Recognizing public health as among the people’s most essential needs, especially those in far-flung areas where access to medical services is limited, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon launched her administration’s public health program dubbed Oplan Panglawas.
The Oplan Panglawas program launched on Friday, October 7, in the municipality of Boston, benefitted more than 2,000 residents from all eight barangays.
With doctors from the Provincial Health Office, the program offered free medical services comprising medical consultation, dispensing of free medicines, vitamins and antibiotics, and other medical interventions for those with serious illnesses.
Maurelio Tambalisic, a resident of Barangay Carmen who has been a stroke patient for 18 years, expressed his gratitude for getting medical attention without needing to travel and spend much.
OPLAN PANGLAWAS
Believing that the right to life is an inviolable human right, Governor Malanyaon said her administration puts a premium on health as everyone has the right to sound public health.
She said she has seen the situation of the people in the municipality who would spend so much just to seek medical attention in the hospitals outside their municipality.
“We are really in difficult times with so many struggles we face each day. This program is just one of the ways for us to show that your clamors are heard and your needs are prioritized,” said Governor Malanyaon as she urged the residents to make the most of the medical mission and avail of the free services.
The Oplan Panglawas was made possible through the convergence and collaborative efforts of the participating agencies and stakeholders, including the Provincial Health Office (PHO), Municipal Health Office (MHO), and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), among others.
Municipal Mayor Rowell Rosit expressed gratitude to the Governor for delivering the much-needed services that benefitted all of Boston’s people.
He also thanked the Governor for implementing the ongoing Oplan Kalsada operation in his town, giving hope to farmers and residents.
The eight barangays that availed of the simultaneous medical mission were Barangays Cabasagan, Caatihan, Cawayanan, Poblacion, San Jose, Sibajay, Carmen, and Simulao.
The Oplan Panglawas program is also set to deliver services to other Local Government Units (LGUs) in the province with prioritization to areas that are from the local hospitals.
PRIORITY PROGRAMS
Aside from the Oplan Panglawas and Oplan Kalsada, also included in the provincial administration’s priorities are the Oplan Turismo and its programs in agriculture, which focus on helping the economy recover and address the challenges in poverty and hunger.
As Governor Malanyaon reaches the 100-day mark of her administration, she has already launched her priority programs, which set the tone and momentum for the rest of the next three years of her administration.
Also present during the program were Vice Governor Niño Uy, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Chairman on Committee on Health Board Member Andy Monday together with Board Members Tata Nuñez-Castro and Board Member Nennette D. Palmera, Board Member Joselito Villademosa and Board Member Eleuterio C. Manaytay, the consultant for special concerns for health program Dr. Joy Sanico, Davao Oriental Capitol Clinic Head Dr. Ariel Dela Cruz with the partners on peace and development from the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police (PNP). By Mark Oliver Alvite
