January 25, 2023 — The City Government of Balanga held its face-to-face Local Health Board meeting for 1st quarter 2023 spearheaded by City Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia and City Health Officer Dr. Mariano Antonio Banzon.

First item on the agenda was Philhealth’s Universal Health Care Profiling Updates. According to Ms. Mylene Lumbre, the Province of Bataan reached its target of 25% of the population for the Konsulta program. However, to further maximize the program, Mayor Garcia suggested creating a Technical Working Group that will be joined by select LHB members and government agencies tasked to encourage more residents to avail of the program.

This was followed by COVID-19 updates by Ms. Bianne Bulawan-Espolong, COVID-19 vaccination and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Immunization status by Ms. Vilma Rodrigo. She also shared the programs conducted by the city government in partnership with the provincial government, including the Bayanihan Bakunahan sa Bataan which aims to improve the province’s vaccination efforts. Dengue prevention and control program was discussed by Engr. William Orozco.

Meanwhile, Dr. Jose Christopher Custodio shared the Health Emergency Management System’s annual report. Dr. Custodio talked about the accomplishments under their two main services: emergency medical services and patient transport services, including emergency response to several motor vehicle accidents not only in Balanga, but in the neighboring towns as well.

Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center representative Mr. Romeo Tuazon also shared that the BGHMC will soon hold a soft opening of its new emergency cases building that will also cater to surgical and intoxication cases.

Meanwhile, Mr. Oliver Enriquez discussed the Health Promotion Board’s annual report. He cited some of the active lifestyle promotion projects implemented last year, including the TFG Bike Ride, 12th Hataw Club Anniversary, 8th Running Club Anniversary and Hataw Takbo Balanga, Smoke-free City and TFG School and Community Caravan, and presentation of Balanga’s best practices to different provinces. These, and some more projects, are expected this 2023.

Dr. Banzon also talked about Rural Health Unit 5’s status and plan, encouraging the LHB members to share their suggestions that will further improve the health center. He also opened the discussion about the Local Health Board reconstitution, noting down the name of each organization suggested for inclusion.

Toward the meeting’s end, the Primary Care Facility and Laboratory Licensing & Accreditation updates were discussed by Ms. Ana Samson.

In his message, Mayor Garcia thanked all the members of the LHB for doing their best in providing health care services to the community. He also added that all the efforts are greatly appreciated by residents. He hopes that everyone will continue to be actively engaged so that the community can take advantage of the health services offered by PhilHealth and other national agencies.

Also present in the meeting were Chairperson on Committee on Health Councilor Christian Laurence Manalaysay, SK Federation President Councilor Jose Michael Espinosa, ABC President Ernesto D. Nisay, department heads, and representatives from government agencies and civil society organizations that are part of the Local Health Board.