Catanduanes is 2017 Magayagaya awardee

By Connie Destura LEGAZPI CITY --- The provincial government of Catanduanes bagged its first “Magayagaya Award” for its support to the programs of the Department of Health (DOH) and outstanding performance and accomplishments in implementing health-related programs. Gov. Joseph Cua, in his acceptance speech during the 8th Salud Bicolnon 2017 held Monday evening in Naga City, thanked the Department of Health for recognizing the efforts of the local government in contributing to the development of respective provinces in terms of implementing the various programs on public health. He said the Salud Bicolnon award does not only recognize the efforts of one person; rather, it recognizes the collective labor and dedication to work of the people for the betterment of the province. “Our heart beats for every Catandunganon who is in need. It is a small community where everybody knows everyone and is concerned about his neighbor,” Cua added. Meanwhile, the Juan M. Alberto District Hospital in San Andres received the Red Orchid Award as well as Best Implementer on Innovative on Healthy Lifestyle. The district hospital received P125,000 and P50,000, respectively, for the citations. Other awards received were: for the local government unit (LGU) of Viga - Hall of Fame awardee; Tinago Day Care Center of Viga, Catanduanes - 1st prize, Orally Fit Day Care Center and Best Implementer of National TB Control Program (municipal category), for which it received P100,000. The DepEd-Division of Catanduanes was among the awardees of the Highest Coverage School-Based Immunization Program (School Level) and the Provincial Health Office in LGU category. Melissa Banzuela was recipient of Best Implementer of Provincial/Rural Health Midwives Placement Program award; Sherwin Icawat, Best Provincial Nurse Deployment Program; while Catanduanes Eye Center and Eastern Bicol Medical Center received the Surgical Caravan Award. The annual awards is a program of the DOH that recognizes the best practices and initiatives of various stakeholders and their partners in implementing the government’s health programs.