MANILA – Governor Dr. Melchor Daguines Diclas received a plaque of recognition from the Department of Health (DOH) during a graduation ceremony held in Manila last August 9, 2024, after completing a two-year health leadership program.
Governor Diclas is among five other governors in the region and 33 other health leaders who enrolled and graduated from the Provincial Leadership Development Program (PLDP) of the DOH in collaboration with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and the University of the Philippines Manila College of Public Health (UP CPH).
The 2-year program, implemented in three modules, aimed to strengthen the leadership and governance capacities of local chief executives in support of the national objectives for Universal Health Care (UHC).
During the program, Diclas undertook a ‘deep dive’ activity to look into the root causes of malnutrition among children. He visited families in a municipality with one of the highest stunting rates in the province.
“To address these concerns effectively, we conducted a thorough assessment to understand the underlying issues and determine the most suitable interventions for our constituents,” the Governor stated in his presentation during the leadership colloquium which was part of the culminating activity of the leadership program also held during their graduation day.
With families’ income sources being a significant factor contributing to the issue, Governor Diclas pushed for the strengthening of the local government’s livelihood assistance.
“We agreed to implement an integrated or packaged program through the Provincial Nutrition Council which will involve different offices within the provincial LGU to collectively address the health of stunted children,” he added.
Recently, 46 families from different municipalities with stunted children received poultry products worth PhP2.3 million to start a business.
Further, health facilities and road access remain a major priority for infrastructure development in the province.
Governor Diclas also emphasized the local government’s effort in strengthening its referral system, particularly for nutrition clients and conditions that contribute to diseases requiring effective referrals.
“To address this, we have allocated funds specifically for updating the Referral Manual and conducting Tabletop Exercises,” he said. “This investment aims to strengthen our referral processes to make sure that patients with nutritional needs and related health conditions receive timely and appropriate care through a well-coordinated system.”
During the colloquium, the governors presented their narratives before a panel composed of Metro Manila Center for Health Development Regional Director, Dr. Rio L. Magpantay; Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development Regional Director, Dr. Amelita Pangilinan; and former DOH Undersecretary and former DOH-CAR Regional Director, Dr. Myrna Cabotaje.
Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire, DOH Undersecretary, graced the event as the keynote speaker, lauding the local chief executives and the provincial health teams on their efforts and achievements despite challenges. She encouraged them to strengthen collaboration and people network in their respective communities for the successful implementation of UHC.
Also expressing his support to the officials and health leaders during the event was DOH-CAR Regional Director, Dr. Ferdinand M. Benbenen.
The Benguet Provincial Health Team is composed of Governor Diclas; Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Executive Assistant to the Governor; Dr. Meliarazon Dulay of the PHO; Dr. Maria Imelda Ulep, Chief of Hospital III at BeGH; Dr. Chamson Bacuso, Medical Specialist at the PHO; Dr. Mercedes Calpito, DMO V at Benguet PDOHO; and Marcky Polo Balagot, PHO UHC coordinator. By SAP Jr.
