Tabaco City and the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) have partnered to enhance the capacity of the local government unit (LGU) in formulating and updating communication plans, programs, and strategies in health services.

“Naririto kami, nag-offer kami kung pwede kami makatulong don sa pagpapalakas ng universal health care plans ng city but at the same time, makapagbigay ng mga technical assistance kung saan sa tingin nila ‘yun ang kailangan (We are here, we have offered if we can help in strengthening the universal health care plans of the city, and at the same time we can provide technical assistance where they think is needed),” Chi Laigo Vallido, PNGOC executive director, said in an interview Tuesday during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the Tabaco City Hall.

She said the PNGOC will support the city’s reproductive, maternal and child health initiatives.

“The project SIKAT (Sama-samang Inisyatiba para sa Kalusugan ng Taong-Bayan) is implemented in Baguio City, Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City and here in Tabaco City. This project intends to complement the Universal Health Care initiatives and programs of the Department of Health,” she said.

Vallido said a two-day training starting Wednesday aims to close the gap between the community and the LGU.

“Isa ‘yun sa susubokan nating ayusin kasi pag napalakas natin ‘yung skills nila on how to communicate, they will be better able to share services na meron sa Tabaco City (That is one of the things we will try to fix because if we strengthen their skills on how to communicate, they will be better able to share services that are available in Tabaco City),” she said.

Vallido also said enhancing the capacities of key players in city health services would allow them to develop and share best practices, particularly in communities with common needs.

“All training, activities, materials, and guidebook will be shouldered by PNGOC, more on enhancement on what is already here,” she added.

Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Luistro said they are more than willing to participate in the project.

“We really need all the support we can get, especially with Universal Health Care. We are on registration, marami pang dapat gawin (there is much more to be done) while waiting. The LGU can do so much focusing on health-seeking behavior, strengthening health institutions, focus on the role of the communities,” Luistro said.

The mayor also looks forward to PNGOC’s assistance in policy making, particularly on health services.

“I hope they can help us to create laws, ordinances, executive orders, and policies that can support our health care initiatives,” she said. (PNA)