CITY of BALANGA, Bataan – “Lessen the number of deaths and prolong life, I think that’s priceless for our province and to our kababayans” was the strong message of Governor Abet Garcia during the Governors for Health and Development Program Core Group seminar held last April 7 at the Lou-Is Resort and Restaurant, this City.
In line with the province’s vision of attaining top level human development index in the Philippines, the Provincial Government of Bataan has partnered with Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF), an organization focused on the improvement of health conditions and services given to the Filipinos especially in rural communities. The ZFF provides trainings, workshops and other programs to local government leaders, governors, mayors and other health officers to strengthen health leadership and improve governance.
The first agenda of said seminar was the identification of the Core Group’s major final output (MFO) to ensure the successful outcome of the project. It likewise aims to identify the significant role of each department as part of the core group.
Part of the strategy planning was the discussion on the baseline data to know what changes can be made primarily to lower the death rate and how to prolong the life expectancy of Bataeños. Gov. Abet also emphasized the need to improve our health services as a major key in prolonging the mean years of life of Bataeños. This, according to the governor is very important so that Bataeños can enjoy the fruits of their labor during their most productive years.
Also identified during the seminar were the two causes of death – natural and unnatural, hence represented during the seminar were the DoH, PHO, BGH (health related causes) as well as the PNP, MBDA, PDRRMO (other causes such as accidents, crimes, calamities and disasters).
Governor Abet’s sincerity and passion could not be missed especially when towards the end of the seminar, he emphasized “Whatever is reasonable, that should prevail”.
With reports from Kaye Pascua and Maricar Reyes (Office of Strategy Management, PGB) photos by Cielou Posadas (Letran-Bataan)
