A stronger, more efficient and more caring healthcare sector in Laguna province.
That was the goal of four local governments in Laguna province as they joined forces with the Department of Health (DOH) to form the Metro Laguna Inter-Local Health Zone (MLILHZ).
Santa Rosa City, Laguna Mayor Arlene Arcillas, who was designated as MLIHZ chairperson, joined DOH officials and Biñan City Mayor Gel Alonte, Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis Hain, and San Pedro City Administrator Atty. Henry Salazar, representing Mayor Art Mercado, during the recent ceremony establishing the MLILHZ in this city.
The new health zone seeks to improve the coordination and integration of public health services, including primary care, referral systems, health facilities, and human resources among LGUs, health facilities, and local health offices.
Among the primary objectives of the MLILHZ are to widen people’s access to health services, strengthen coordination and referrals from primary care providers to secondary and tertiary care facilities, and upgrade health facilities and other services in accordance with the quality and safety standards set by the DOH and PhilHealth, as mandated under Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act.
“We have always recognized that protecting the health and well-being of our people is one of our greatest responsibilities as public servants. It is a shared responsibility among LGUs, in partnership, of course, with the national government, healthcare institutions, and our dedicated healthcare workers,” Arcillas said during the event.
The health zone will be guided by the Metro Laguna Sub-Provincial Health System and governed by a Technical Management Committee, which will oversee strategic planning, close coordination, and regular monitoring of integrated medical services across Metro Laguna.
Alonte acknowledged the task placed upon them but accepted the responsibility of ensuring organized, accessible, and affordable medical services for their constituents.
“I understand the enormity of our responsibility to our constituents especially in ensuring their health and well-being. Maraming salamat po RD, asahan n’yo po ang aming buong suporta sa programang ito at magsasama-sama tayo sa ikauunlad ng kalusugan ng ating kapuwa Lagunense, sa ating mga health workers, ating mga public servant sa buong lalawigan ng Laguna,” the Biñan mayor said.
Meanwhile, Hain stressed that Universal Health Care is a huge task that cannot be accomplished by a single entity and expressed his full cooperation in the endeavor.
“Ang Universal Health Care ay hindi lamang po gawain ng iisa. Ito po ay bayanihan. Hindi po ito magtatagumpay kung hindi tayo magtutulong-tulong. Sama-sama po nating pagtulung-tulungan ang isang malusog na Pilipinas, ang ating kalusugan para sa ating lahat,” he added.
(With report from PIA)
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