Sixteen (16) new barangay health stations will be constructed by the Department of Health (DOH) in three towns of Catanduanes this year, with the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) and three district hospitals to get P78 million in funding for infrastructure and medical equipment.
The funding is part of the total P276,430,448.40 in budgetary support from the health department this 2024, including financial and non-financial grants to be awarded to the province as part of the Terms of Partnership (TOP) recently signed by the local government and DOH.
The TOP is intended to achieve the goals of the 2024 Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH) of Catanduanes and will assure the implementation of various health programs, projects, and activities for the year 2024.
As a legal instrument, the TOP formalizes the agreement between DOH and LGU, specifying the Key Performance Indicators, the obligations of the parties, and the requirements for the release of funds.
On behalf of the province, Provincial Health Officer II Dr. Hazel Palmes and concurrent Provincial Administrator Eulalia Talaran attended the ceremonial signing of the TOP last Jan. 23, 2024 at the Office of the Regional Director of DOH Bicol CHD in Legazpi City, Albay.
The DOH was represented by the concurrent regional director, Undersecretary Nestor Santiago, with OIC-Director III Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo and Dr. Rey D. Millena as witnesses.
In remarks read by PA Talaran, Gov. Joseph Cua expressed the province’s gratitude for the generous support of DOH for the island province.
“By granting us this resource, we can further address the health needs of the Catandunganon people, with a focus on prevention, access to quality healthcare, and the promotion of their overall well-being,” the provincial chief executive added.
Under its CY 2024 Health Enhancement Facilities Program (HEFP), the new Barangay Health Stations (BHS), with a total funding of P17 million, will be built in the following barangays: Bagawang, Baldoc, Catamban, Cobo, Lourdes San Andres, San Isidro and Tabugoc, all in Pandan; Batalay in Bato; Bigaa, Capilihan, Hawan Grande, Magnesia del Sur, Palnab del Norte, Palnab del Sur, and Sto. Domingo, all in Virac.
All BHS construction will cost P1 million each except for the San Andres, Pandan BHS which has been allocated P2 million.
On the other hand, instead of a new building, Buyo BHS will get P500,000 worth of medical equipment.
Under the same program, P30 million will be spent for infrastructure projects at EBMC, along with another P30 million for medical equipment.
Getting the second biggest share for local hospitals is Gigmoto District Hospital, which will receive P8.78 million for infra funding, P50,000 for medical equipment and P6 million for a motor vehicle.
Viga District Hospital will be given P2.3 million in funding for infrastructure while Caramoran Municipal Hospital is set to receive P1.53 million in medical equipment.
Five rural health units are covered by the Completion/Upgrading/Repair and Equipping of Rural Health Units, for which the DOH set aside P15 million for Catanduanes.
Baras RHU will get P1 million in infra funds, along with P6 million for Pandan RHU and P2 million for San Miguel RHU.
On the other hand, Virac RHU I and Virac RHU II will be receiving P3 million each for medical equipment.
A total of P28.5 billion is the Bicol region’s share in the DOH’s 2024 HFEP, with the island province not in the list of LGU beneficiaries in the construction of new Super Health Centers/Rural Health Unit, completion and equipping of Super Health Centers, and the provision of Transport Medical Vehicles.