THE Department of Health conferred the first-ever Healthy Communities Award to the province of Pangasinan for successfully implementing sustainable health programs that promote the health and well-being of their constituents while also improving the quality of life in their communities.
Pangasinan’s commitment to building healthier communities has earned national recognition receiving the Bronze Award as Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa Komunidad” which recognizes local government units’ commendable accomplishments in leading and promoting efficient, safe, and healthy communities.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco said that Pangasinan has demonstrated its leadership and determination in prioritizing the health of its constituents. “I commend the province for initiating and implementing innovative and high-impact health promotion policies, plans and programs that benefitted the health and well-being of individuals in the communities.
“May you continue to initiate policies to strengthen the province’s health and sustain investments to prevent disease, promote health and ensure that individuals and all communities are healthy and thriving and that no one is left behind,” she stated.
The province was validated through its efforts in implementing and passing local ordinances and received the following scores in the areas of potable water and food security (2/2), open spaces, active transport, and road safety (2/3), clean and sustainable environments (4/4), tobacco-, vape, alcohol, and drug free (4/4), housing and shelter (3/3), accessible and quality education (1/2), income and support (2/2), cultural heritage (2/2), safe, violence free and inclusive (6/7), efficient and quality essential health services (3/5), health services accessible to all members of the community (1/2), and equitable health financing (2/2).
With 50% or Satisfactory rating, Pangasinan received the Bronze Award. Among the other “Kampeon ng Kalusugan sa mga Komunidad” awardees are Davao de Oro and Pasay City.
A total of 82 provinces have undergone validation for the DOH Health Community Award.
OIC – Director II of Health Promotion Bureau Dominic Maddumba, emphasized that 80% of what makes up someone’s health is determined by what happens outside of health facilities/ “These social determinants of health” or “Socioeconomic Factors” are things that make up our communities – the places we live, work, learn and play and this is where health promotion programs come in – to engage and empower individuals in these communities to choose healthy behaviors, and make changes that will reduce the risk of having diseases.”
Meanwhile, Governor Ramon Guico III expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and stressed that health remains the top program thrust of his administration.
“We will continue our health programs providing medical assistance and providing them the health care they need,” he assured.
