BONTOC, Mountain Province – This capital town has affirmed its unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare services for the community.
This commitment was demonstrated through the signing of the Health Care Provider Network (HCPN) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Provincial Government of Mountain Province, all the other 15 municipalities of Mountain Province, the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on November 15, 2023.
HCPN refers to a group of primary to tertiary care providers, whether public or private, offering people-centered and comprehensive care in an integrated and coordinated manner with the primary care provider acting as the navigator and coordinator of health care within the network.
DOH-CAR Regional Director Rio Magpantay emphasized the key elements essential for the success of Universal Health Care, which are Role, Responsibility, and Relationship. He further highlighted that passion for service and collaboration of stakeholders would allow for a better and more improved delivery of healthcare services to the people.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Mountain Province Chapter President Tadian Mayor Constito Masweng, Bontoc Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., who is the Vice President conveyed the chapter’s full support for the said initiative, highlighting the collective commitment to fostering a province-wide Health System and Health Care Provider Network.
“The chapter stands united in its commitment to prioritize the well-being of the community. Let us join hands and work hand in hand towards the shared goal of enhancing the overall health and welfare of our beloved province,” he said.
Further, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr., expressed his support emphasizing that healthcare providers play a vital role in nurturing the health and well-being of the communities.
“The collaboration and partnership forged within this network exemplify the spirit of unity and shared purpose, essential in addressing the healthcare challenges we face from our fragmented healthcare systems at the apex hospital down to the primary care facilities in our localities. Through this network, we are fostering a supportive environment for healthcare professionals, promoting innovation, and enhancing the coordination of care for our kakailyans,” Lacwasan added.
Also present at the said event were Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, Municipal Treasurer Lourdes Austria, Municipal Accountant Yolanda Comafay, and Municipal Budget Officer Aida Lingbanan, collaboratively participating in the joint effort to promote healthcare initiatives within the municipality and across the entire province. By Christy Mae C. Pangesfan