The Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-13) on Wednesday welcomed 10 new Doctors to the Barrios (DTTBs), who will bolster the government’s primary healthcare programs, particularly in remote areas.

The newly sworn-in doctors will strengthen health services in underserved and geographically isolated communities across the region, DOH-13 said in a statement.

DOH-13 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Sadaila Raki-in underscored the vital role of the DTTBs in advancing primary healthcare and improving health outcomes.

“Working for the community and serving the public is self-fulfilling and gives true meaning to being a doctor,” Raki-in said.

She added that the program allows doctors to make a lasting impact on residents’ lives, especially in areas where their skills and compassion are most needed.

The new DTTBs and their assignments are: Dan Tristam Micabalo (Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte), Marjorie Anne Caburian (Loreto, Agusan del Sur), Lyka De La Rosa (Talacogon, Agusan del Sur), Andrey Ross Umayat (Basilisa, Dinagat Islands), Honeychile Rose Habbling (Libjo, Dinagat Islands), Sussette Binuggon (Tubajon, Dinagat Islands), Nariel Nicole Baure (Carrascal, Surigao del Sur), Judy Ann Begil-Diaz (Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte), Carla Rhocel Diaz (Lanuza, Surigao del Sur), and Matt Jordene Visperas (Lingig, Surigao del Sur).

The DTTB program is a flagship initiative designed to address the shortage of physicians in rural municipalities by deploying competent and dedicated doctors to local government units, DOH-13 said.

“Through their service, the new DTTBs will help strengthen primary healthcare, expand access to essential services, enhance disease prevention and health promotion, improve maternal and child care, and support resilient local health systems throughout Caraga,” the agency added. (PNA)