LUNA, Apayao – To provide widely accessible healthcare services especially to underprivileged community, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Apayao Provincial Hospital (APH) delivered free medical services in Barangay Katablangan, Conner town on September 4, 2024.
About 305 residents benefitted from said services, including dental care (60 beneficiaries), medical consultations (124), laboratory tests (118), circumcision (3), and pharmacy services.
Additionally, food packs distribution and a feeding activity were conducted.
As part of Governor Elias C. Bulut Jr.’s healthcare program, the initiative aims to provide high-quality healthcare to all yApayaos, especially those in rural areas where medical services are not readily available.
Katablangan, one of the most remote areas in Conner, frequently encounters difficulties in accessing medical care due to the poor condition of the roads. However, Governor Bulut’s initiative is currently improving the road infrastructure in the area making it possible for the healthcare teams to reach the community.
To make the event more enjoyable and engaging for the residents, the organizers added fun activities such as parlor games with major prizes, a “pa-ukay sa barangay” (giving free clothes to residents) initiative, and the distribution of tumblers to children and lifetime tables.
The successful conduct of the program was attributed to the hard work and dedication of the APH personnel, their partners, and the support of Barangay Katablangan officials and Board Member Kyle Bulut Cunan, who provided essential needs for the residents.
APH Chief of Hospital Dr. Jarette Barmejo Agana expressed excitement and satisfaction over the success of Project Butsy conducted in the said barangay.
“Health care services will continue to travel throughout Apayao province as part of Project BUTSY helping those in greatest need so that everyone deserves the care they need,” she stated.
Barangay Katablangan officials were equally grateful for the program. “We are thankful for the efforts of Governor Bulut and his team in bringing healthcare to our community,” said Angel Manglugay, Katablangan Barangay Captain. “Hindi na namin kailangan na bumiyahe ng malayo para magpagamot dahil kayo na po mismo ang umabot sa amin dito,” he added.
Through Project Butsy, residents in Apayao are assured of quality healthcare, bridging the gap in healthcare access. The success of Project Butsy in Katablangan was a significant step towards achieving the goal of health care and of Governor Bulut Jr. tagline, “Saan mang sulok ng Apayao, kalusugan ay maaabot.” By Joyce Arian Soria
