BAUKO, Mountain Province – The 15th day of November marked a significant milestone in the health sector of Mountain Province (MP) with the birth of the MP Health Care Provider Network (HCPN).
The launching and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the HCPN was held at the Mount Data Hotel in Bauko, MP yesterday. Signatories of the agreement were Department of Health – Center for Health Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Regional Director Rio L. Magpantay, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr., Vice Governor Francis O. Tauli, the ten municipal mayors of Mountain Province, and representatives from the PhilHealth – CAR, Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, Saint Theodore of Tarsus Hospital, and Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
As explained in the MOA, the establishment of the HCPN is pursuant to the mandate of the Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care Act. It aims to ensure that all the people of MP are health literate, provided with healthy living conditions, and protected from hazards and risks that could affect their health.
“The HCPN functions as one big health facility that coordinates and provides appropriate health care services,” Development Management Officer V Michael B. Capuyan, Jr. from the Provincial Department of Health Office said in addition.
For the HCPN to be effective, Director Magpantay shared three pointers that the health workers and members of the HCPN must consider. He called these pointers three Rs, which stands for role, responsibility, and relationship.
Magpantay said that everybody in the HCPN should know and be able to uphold their respective roles and responsibilities in order to be able to provide quality and accessible health care and services to everyone. At the same time, building healthy working relationships with colleagues and other partners is also vital in the success of the HCPN, according to him.
As an advocate for mental health, Magpantay also expressed his high hopes for the HCPN to become an instrument in promoting mental health and wellness, especially among youths.
Meanwhile, Governor Lacwasan and Vice Governor Tauli, in their respective messages, expressed the full support and commitment of the Provincial Government to the HCPN.
Governor Lacwasan said that the establishment of the HCPN in MP aligns with the Provincial Government’s tagline on Universal Health Care, which is, “Barangay Muna para sa Bayang Malusog.” He also said the HCPN exemplifies everybody’s spirit of unity and shared purpose that is essential in addressing the healthcare challenges.
“Through this network, we are fostering a supportive environment for healthcare professionals, promoting innovation, and enhancing the coordination of care for our kakailiyans,” he continued.
Moreover, as the head of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SB) of MP, Vice Governor Tauli reassured that he will lead the SB in coming up with resolutions, ordinances and other actions to further fast track the delivery of health care services to the people of MP.
Furthermore, Mayor Jerome B. Tudlong, Jr., representing the League of Municipal Mayors, Besao Municipal Health Officer Joy F. Dicdican, representing the Association of Municipal Health Officers, BGHMC Medical Center Chief II Ricardo B. Runez, Jr. and Chief Social Insurance Officer Jose P. Safawil also expressed their message of support.
Other highlights of the activity were the discussions from BGHMC Public Health Unit Head Leamor Fangonila and PhilHealth-CAR and the signing of the Pledge of Commitment.