“With a population of over 100 million, the Philippines needs an effective healthcare system that will ensure that all its citizens have access to quality healthcare service, regardless of social class or geographic location,” Former Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go said.
Go attended the Gawad Gaping Kaluguran 2018 Awarding Ceremony, held at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium yesterday.
Recognizing the efforts of the 36 awardees from hospitals, health partners and public health workers, Go also acknowledged the importance of volunteer health workers.
“I will also push for increasing the salaries of our nurses and providing more benefits for our barangay health workers because they are essential in keeping the citizenry healthy. Our healthcare programs will only be effective if we also take care of our healthcare providers,” Go said.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said GGK is one way of expressing heartfelt gratitude to those who are working hard to have a healthier Bulacan.
“Our government is recognizing the need for everyone, young and old to be physically fit and mentally well that may call the nation aspire for greater things. Napakahalaga po ng malusog na pangangatawan, na sisidlan ng malikhaing kaisipan para sa kaganapan ng isang mamamayan,” Alvarado said.
The governor also announced efforts of the province to modernize and widen the services offered by the Bulacan Medical Center.
“Almost one third of our budget ay ginagastos po natin sa kalusugan, nagpagawa pa po tayo ngayon ng 260 million worth of 200-bed capacity hospital, zero billing po tayo dito, hindi po natin inutang, iyan po’y savings ng ating pamahalaan,” Alvarado emphasized.
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Daniel R. Fernando believes that good health is more than any material wealth.
“Lubos nating kinikilala ang inyong pagsisikap na maitaguyod ang mataas na antas ng pagkalinga sa ating mga kapwa Bulakenyong may pangangailangang pangkalusugan, kayo po ang katuwang ng ating pamahalaan tungo sa pagbuo ng masigla at malakas na sambayanan,” Fernando said.
The GGK awarded the title Outstanding Government Hospital in Public Health Program Implementation to San Miguel District Hosptal, followed by Baliwag District Hospital, 1st runner up and Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital, 2nd runner up.
Moreover, the Outstanding LGU Health Partners were City of San Jose del Monte, 1st prize, San Ildefonso, 2nd prize and Angat landed on third place and took home P30,000, P20,000 and P10,000 respectively and a trophy.
For individual awards, Dr. Roselle Tolentino from the City of San Jose del Monte was hailed the Outstanding Rural Health Physician; Maricel Sison, Outstanding Public Health Nurse; Crizaldy Nieto, Outstanding Sanitary Inspevtor; Marvin Sanchez, Outstanding Medical Technologist; and Marciano Ygot, Outstanding Rural Health Midwife. All took home P10,000 cash incentive and trophy.
Meanwhile, 13 BHW who served voluntarily for 30 years and 12 that served for 20 years were given the Loyalty award and took home P5,000 each and a trophy.