THE Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region formally welcomed and deployed a total of 486 newly hired health professionals under the National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS) following an oath-taking ceremony held at the conference hall of the regional office on January 28, 2026, reinforcing the government’s commitment to Universal Health Care (UHC) and the DOH 8-Point Action Agenda.
OIC Regional Director Dr. Pretchell P. Tolentino led the oat-taking ceremony who emphasized that the deployment directly supports the DOH’s priority agenda of building a responsive, people-centered, and resilient health system.
“The NHWSS is a concrete expression of the DOH 8-Point Action Agenda, particularly in strengthening primary care and addressing health workforce gaps,” she stated.
“By deploying competent and committed health workers to our LGUs and health facilities, we bring essential services closer to the people and ensure that no Ilocano and Pangasinense is left behind.”
The newly deployed nurses, midwives, medical technologists, and allied health professionals will be assigned to provincial, city, and municipal health offices, as well as government hospitals, to augment local health systems and support the delivery of preventive, promotive, curative, and rehabilitative services.
A total of 168 NHWSS will be deployed to Ilocos Sur, 146 to La Union, 92 in Pangasinana and 82 for Ilocos Norte.
Tolentino further stressed that a strong health workforce is central to achieving the goals of the UHC Law, particularly in improving access to primary care and protecting families from health-related financial risks.
“Universal Health Care cannot be achieved without a strong and motivated health workforce. Our health workers are the backbone of service delivery and the driving force behind healthier, more resilient communities,” she added.
The DOH Ilocos Region reaffirmed its commitment to continuously support NHWSS-deployed personnel through capacity development, technical supervision, and close coordination with local government units, ensuring effective implementation of health programs aligned with national priorities.
The NHWSS remains a key DOH strategy in accelerating the implementation of UHC by ensuring the availability, accessibility, and sustainability of human resources for health—contributing to improved health outcomes and stronger local health systems throughout the region.
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