Residents of Brgy Basca, a higland community in Aringay, La Union availed of the free medical services provided by DOH-Ilocos Region during the Healthy Region 1 Caravan held on August 2, 2024
THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region conducted its second “Healthy Region 1 Caravan” in Basca Central Elementary School in Brgy. Basca, Aringay, La Union on August 2, 2024.
The activity was in line with the objective of the “PuroKalusugan” Program which is to bring healthcare services closer to the people, and to improve their health-seeking behaviors.
According to Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco, the “Healthy Region 1 Caravan” provides orientation for school learners on the seven (7) healthy habits of Health Promotion: 1) move more, eat right; be clean 2) live sustainability; 3) get vaccinated; 4) don’t smoke, avoid alcohol, say no to drugs; 5) care for yourself, care for others; 6) practice safe sex; 7) do not harm, put safety first. “These are essential habits for laying the foundation of a productive education, healthy life and overall well-being”.
“We want school learners, particularly the adolescents, to partake in the information-dissemination and discussion activity for them to become aware of what makes them healthy and for them to know how to protect themselves from developing serious health problems such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension,” she explained.
During the one-day activity, various medical services, including Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases Intervention (PhilPEN) risk assessment, laboratory tests (urinalysis and blood chemistry), x-ray, dental services and medical consultation were provided to 240 residents of the barangay.
Twenty-three (23) sacks of fortified rice were also given to selected families. Herbal Medicine Access Program (HerbMap) packages were distributed to 50 senior citizens. A quad cane was also given to one elderly to assist her in her daily activities.
A pageant for “Flex You Outfit of The Day (OOTD) using recyclable materials was held which was participated by barangay health workers, a local official and a school learner. Cash prizes were given to winners.
The “Healthy Region 1 Caravan” was created in coordination with the Department of Education – Region Provincial Heath Office of La Union, the local government of Aringay and Barangay Basca local officials.
About the Author
