LUNA, Apayao – Governor Eleanor C. Bulut-Begtang, along with OIC Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Amy Liza Maruquin and Provincial Department of Health Officer Elnoria Bugnosen led the blessing and dedication of the 20-bed capacity Apayao Temporary Treatment and Monitoring Facility (TTMF) on Friday (August 28) after completion of repair and improvement works to have the facility meet prescribed DOH standards and the hiring of personnel to man the facility.
With the appointment of Provincial Health Officer 1 Dr. Mark Joleen Calban who will serve as the facility’s head, and the hiring of 20 other medical and utility personnel, Gov. Leah directed the immediate operation of the facility located at Apayao Eco-Tourism and Sports Complex in Luna, after a spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the province in the past weeks. Said cases have since fully recovered leaving just a solitary active case in the province to date.
Of the total staff complement of the facility, 12 were hired by the DOH and nine by provincial government. The facility which is the Regional Evacuation Center of Apayao will operate on two shifts for the meantime pending the hiring of another medical doctor and five nurses for an added shift so as not to overwork the facility’s personnel.
Gov. Leah commended the courage of the personnel tasked to man the facility that was established to cater to asymptomatic confirmed COVID-19 cases. “Your intention to be part of the TTMF means taking the risks and sacrificing your health and safety for the people of Apayao, and we are grateful for that,” she said.
The Governor challenged the facility’s workforce to extend their patience in dealing with cases that will be referred to them to deliver a remarkable quality service to the patients. “Make a difference in serving. There is a need to be more compassionate and to understand fully their plight. Please show your love,” she stressed.
“They need real care, they need attention, so kindly show tender loving care. I know no financial compensation can match your kindness, but God will bless you,” Gov. Leah appealed. BY GERRIAHZON S. SEBASTIAN