LUNA, Apayao – In a historic step towards improving healthcare access for the yApayaos, Governor Elias C. Bulut, Jr. enthusiastically welcomes the launch of four new Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Service (BUCAS) Centers in Daga, Conner, Mataguisi, Pudtol, Marag in Luna, and Tanglagan, Calanasan on September 10 and 11.
Set to bring medical services closer to the province’s most underserved communities, these facilities, according to Gov. Bulut, are “a dream fulfilled for the province of Apayao.”
“Natupad na ang matagal naming pinapangarap na mangyari, especially in the delivery of health services. Matagal ko nang pangarap ito, kaya noong naupo akong governor, I always ask: How will I bring health services to the doorstep of my constituents?” he said, referring to the challenges that the province faced in the past particularly in accessing adequate healthcare due to poor infrastructure and financial limitations.
“Ang mga tao dito hirap pumunta sa hospital. Hindi lang dahil sa transportation, siempre yung estado rin ng buhay kailangan din i-consider,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of healthcare, especially for a province that once ranked among the poorest in the country.
Bulut also emphasized that the province’s rise from poverty is a result of continued development efforts, which include improving health services and infrastructure.
“Before, we were one of the poorest provinces in the country but we were able to turn the economy of the province around kaya medyo nawala na kami sa poorest. It is because of the development that we are doing,” he stated, reinforcing his full commitment to progress.
The governor then pledged full support to guarantee the success of the BUCAS centers, stressing that the provincial government will remain persistent in improving the program.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala Madam Usec., kami po ay naka-alalay kung ano man yung mga kailangan nating gawin para sa ikabubuti ng programang ito,” he said while acknowledging the contributions of Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire in the realization of his long-standing aspiration for the health sector.
The BUCAS centers are intended to serve as first-response facilities in medical emergencies, especially in areas where private healthcare options are non-existent.
Bulut stressed the urgent need for these services, “Dito sa Apayao walang private hospital, walang private clinic na pwedeng puntahan ng mga kababayan natin kapag may emergency. We really have to provide services, para at any given time, when there are emergencies, at least may mapupuntahan na malapit. Unlike sa urban areas, kapag may pera ka, pwede kang pumunta sa private clinic, dito kahit may pera ka, wala kang mapuntahang clinic. That is why the people need our intervention.”
Also present at the launch was the Department of Public Works and Highways whose involvement underscored the importance of infrastructure in complementing the healthcare program. Gov. Bulut pointed out that the road improvements are important in making sure the timely access to the healthcare centers. “Kapag gumanda ang kalsada, mas madaling marating ang lugar, mas mabilis ang pagdating ng tulong at serbisyo, and eventually, the overall development will follow,’ he explained.
The opening of BUCAS centers is a giant leap forward in the province’s journey towards better healthcare for all. Gov. Bulut’s vision in bringing medical services closer to the people, particularly in remote areas is now coming into fruition with more developments expected in the future. By Jess Christley Marquez
