BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Health Care Providers Network (HCPN) of Mountain Province held its first meeting in Bontoc since its establishment and launching in 2023, at the Ridgebrook Hotel in Samoki on February 27, 2025.
The HCPN of Mountain Province, as outlined in the memorandum of agreement (MOA), is a group of primary to tertiary care providers, whether public, private or mixed, offering people-centred 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.
The establishment of the HCPN is pursuant to the mandate of the Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the Universal Health Care (UHC) 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.
In his opening remarks, Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. added that the HCPN of Mountain Province is a reflection of HCPN members’ commitment to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to access to the medical care they need.
The assembly resulted to the presentation of the UHC journey of Mountain Province, review of the HCPN MOA, presentation of updates on HCPN contract application from the PhilHealth Regional Office-CAR, and organization of the Mountain Province HCPN Technical Working Group with Provincial Health Officer (PHO) Annie Claire B. Pekas and PHO Carolyn D. Yawan being the chairperson and co-chairperson, respectively, and the presentation and discussion on Telemedicine implementation by the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
Meanwhile, another highlight during the activity was the adoption ceremony of BGHMC Medical Specialist and HPU Head Dr. Leamor D. Fangonilo as the adopted daughter of the Mountain Province HCPN. Dr. Fangonilo was bestowed the local name, “Labanet,” which stands for 𝗟eamor as an 𝗔ble, 𝗕enevolent, 𝗔dmirable 𝗡etizen with 𝗘xpertise in 𝗧elemedicine. Her adoption is a result of her crucial contribution to the institutionalization and success of the Mountain Province HCPN, particularly the Telemedicine Network.
In closing, Board Member Joshua B. Fronda expressed his appreciation to all the members of the Mountain Province HCPN for responding positively to the call and actively participating in the discussions. Fronda emphasized that the member’s dedication and hard work in delivering quality health services are greatly appreciated. By MP-PIO
