By Joel Mapiles/PNA
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Department of Health (DOH) has declared Pampanga as malaria-free, even as it recognized the province for its excellence in providing health programs for the benefit of its people – the Kapampangans.
“Pampanga is now included among the provinces in the country without any case of this kind of illness,” DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion said Tuesday.
With this, Pampanga also received PHP1 million from the DOH as cash incentive for being free from malaria.
Likewise, Pampanga was cited as best Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU) for its outstanding support, commitment and excellent performance in the implementation of Philippine Health Agenda.
The recognition was given during the 7th Central Luzon Excellence Awards for Health (CLEXAH) of the DOH-Region 3 at Royce Hotel, this Freeport Zone Tuesday.
The excellence awards were personally received by Pampanga Second District Board Member Anthony Joseph Torres, Provincial Health Officer Marcelo Jaochico, Dr. Imelda “Ming” Ignacio, Jolly Garcia and Katrina Zapanta.
Other LGU awardees from Pampanga are as follows: City of San Fernando, Pampanga — Best LGU Health Office Sanitation Initiative and LGU with Outstanding Contribution in the Attainment of Blood Adequacy in Central Luzon; Mabalacat City — Pulang Laso Excellence Award (Best LGU for Local Response Service Delivery, and Outreach Services) and Scaling-Up Public Health Intervention for Millennium Development Goals (MDGS); Porac town — Scaling-Up Public Health Intervention for MDGS; and Municipality of Minalin — Efficient Health Sector Spending.
DOH Assistant Secretary Maria Francia M. Laxamana, keynote speaker, said CLEXAH is aimed at recognizing the efforts and commitment of the LGUs in the different initiatives and activities of the department towards the attainment of health reform goals.
“In relation to the development of the local health systems, the Department of Health-Central Luzon Center for Health Development acknowledges the local government units that support all the programs of the agency,” she added.
