In a show of gratitude and recognition, Tabuk City celebrated the invaluable contributions of its healthcare workers and educators during a momentous gathering at the Tabuk People’s Gym on April 17, 2024.
A total of 465 barangay health workers (BHW) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) were honored with cash incentives, a testament to their tireless efforts in safeguarding the health and well-being of their respective communities. Mayor Darwin Estranero, in his address during the meeting, reaffirmed the city administration’s unwavering support for these frontline heroes. He commended their dedication to carrying out vital health programs and providing essential services, underscoring the pivotal role they play in ensuring the overall welfare of Tabuk’s residents.
Mayor Estranero’s message resonated deeply as he urged healthcare professionals to continue their exemplary work and to foster closer ties with the communities they serve. Emphasizing the prioritization of health services, he highlighted the City Health Services Office (CHSO) as the largest employer within the city government, signaling the paramount importance placed on healthcare provision.
Dr. Henrietta Bagayao, head of CHSO, further underscored Tabuk’s commitment to healthcare excellence by unveiling plans for the inauguration of the Super Health Center in Agbannawag. This state-of-the-art facility, slated for opening on April 16, 2024, promises to extend quality medical care to a wider populace. Dr. Bagayao emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure and services, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. Additionally, plans are underway for the establishment of another health center to cater to the needs of residents in specific barangays, further solidifying Tabuk’s dedication to equitable healthcare access.
Moreover, Dr. Bagayao encouraged continuous learning among healthcare partners, emphasizing the importance of staying abreast of the latest developments in healthcare to provide accurate and trustworthy information to community members.
In a parallel gesture of appreciation, Tabuk City extended support to its educators, recognizing the vital role they play in shaping the minds of the next generation. Around 1300 teaching and non-teaching personnel from DepEd Tabuk City Division are set to benefit from a monthly allowance, courtesy of the City Local Government Unit fund. Tabuk City Mayor, Engineer Darwin Estranero, in a press briefing, assured that this allowance would be doubled starting January 2025, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by public school teachers. Estranero’s lighthearted remark about the struggles of teachers with financial burdens garnered a chuckle, highlighting his understanding of their predicament.
Estranero elaborated on Tabuk City’s ongoing efforts to elevate its status, aiming to transition from a 5th class component city to a 3rd class or higher level. This transformation, he explained, would entail increased budget allocations, potentially leading to improved salaries and benefits for all employees, including the possibility of doubling the monthly allowance for DepEd Tabuk City Division employees.
In essence, Tabuk City’s dual initiatives of honoring healthcare heroes and supporting educators underscore its unwavering commitment to the well-being and development of its residents. These gestures serve as a beacon of hope, illuminating a path towards a brighter and more prosperous future for Tabukeños. By Jesse Maguiya
