2 Department of Health Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CHD-CAR) Mission To lead the country in the development of a productive, resilient, equitable and people centered health system. Vision Filipinos are among the healthiest people in Southeast Asia by 2022, and Asia by 2040. Title F1KD AMIDST THE PANDEMIC.................................................................................................................. RBATF-Cordillera Conducts Iodized Salt Testing........................................................................................ DOH CHD CAR Holds first SK Blood Olympics in Baguio City................................................................... BREASTFEEDING AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC.................................................................................. CDH to Upgrade Infrastructure and Services Towards Quality Health Care............................................... BGHMC gears up for Universal Healthcare Roll Out amidst the VUCA times............................................. BIDA Solution sa COVID-19 Campaign in Cordillera.................................................................................. “MR-OPV SIA Campaign”: Immunization amidst the pandemic................................................................... “We Fight as One Cordillera! We Heal as One Cordillera!”: DOH-CHD-CAR COVID-19 Response.......... 2020 General Assembly and Sintil Awards Goes Online............................................................................. HFEP Projects as of December 2020......................................................................................................... Page 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 19 21 23 QUALITY POLICY The Department of Health, as the nation’s leader in health, is committed to nurturing Filipinos to be amongst the healthiest in Southeast Asia by 2022 and Asia by 2040 through the development of a productive, resilient, equitable, and people centered health system. We at the DOH together with our partners, are committed to implementing standards and policies to ensure the highest quality of health services to the satisfaction of our clients. We observe zero-tolerance against corruption, comply with statutory requirements, and continually improve our quality management systems as we provide public service with integrity, excellence, and compassion Health Voice Consultants: • Dr. Amelita m. pangilinan - director iii • DR. janice z. bugtong - medical officer v contributors • Ms. Xaenadya Ebony P. Maglipas - nd (jc) • Ms. Nancy E. Paclos - ND (hrh) • Mr. Vincent D. Ingen - SHPO • Ms. Candice C. Salingbay - ND IV • Ms. Elinor D. Latupan - HFDU • Mr. Jaybone F. Bauag - HRH • Ms. Ashley Melecio - HEPO III • Ms. Shena G. Gabon - HEPO II (JC) • Ms. Glydel Ann L. Daniel - HEPO I (JC) • Mr. Karl Aldrail C. Sam - HEPO II layout/design/photography • mr. patrick p. pineda - HEPO III • mr. karl aldrail c. sam - HEPO II • MR. PETER Bright LIWANAG - Artist Illustrator Editors • mr. patrick p. pineda - HEPO III • ms. shena G. gabon - HEPO II (jc) • Ms. Glydel Ann L. Daniel - HEPO I (jc) reproduced by • doh-chd-car health voice magazine July-December 2020 issue The Cover: IMMUNIZATION AMIDST THE PANDEMIC

3 HEALTH VOICE Greetings! The Department of Health-Center for Health Development-CAR continuously shows its commitment to provide productive, resilient, equitable, and people-centered healthy system for the entire Cordilleras. This means that together with our frontliners and supporters, the DOH-CHDCAR shall continually provide better health services to our constituents no matter what challenges we may face. With the challenges and lessons we have earned through the years of serving the public, our strengths and grit have increased as well. Thus, 2020 was indeed a challenging year especially in the health sector as we become the frontliners amidst the threat of Coronavirus Disease or COVID-19 which was declared as a public health emergency of international concern. On the other hand, we at the DOH-CHD-CAR, have never ceased to provide the basic and technical services our region needs. Amidst the community quarantine and other threats of COVID-19- a novel disease, our goal to spearhead Measles Rubella-Oral Polio Vaccine (MR-OPV) Supplemental Immunization Activity 2020 in the region was never hampered. With the determination of our frontliners and program officers on vaccination, we are glad to report that we have reached 86.7% for the Measles Rubella and 85.30% for Oral Polio Vaccine. The DOH-CHD-CAR is grateful for the best efforts given by our frontliners, vaccinators, other partners and stakeholders during this time of pandemic while we aim to immunize more children. Risking one’s safety against the said virus while serving the public is not an easy task. Truly, helping one another and giving our best efforts in the name of public service is rewarding as our goals and objectives from the beginning shall be fully realized by the We shall continue to provide any form of assistance to our constituents no matter what lies ahead. Whether in times of a pandemic or not, we believe that we shall overcome and face the trials with faith and determination. 20-20 truly gave us a clearer vision to serve our purposethe purpose to serve others. Let me leave you this quote by Israelmore Ayivor, Leaders’ Watchwords: “Rivers don’t drink their own waters; trees don’t eat their own fruits. The salt seasons the soup in order to have its purpose fulfilled. Live for others!” Dr. RUBY C. CONSTANTINO, MPH, CESO IV Regional Director

4 F1KD AMIDST THE PANDEMIC Ms. Xaenadya Ebony P. Maglipas Nutritionist-Dietician II (JC) DOH-CHD-CAR On August 14, 2020, members of the Nutrition Cluster, Ms. Rita D. Papey, Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition Council- CAR, Ms. Candice C. Salingbay, Nutritionist- Dietitian IV and Ms. Xaenadya Ebony P. Maligpas, ND II of the DOH-CHD-CAR headed to Loacan, Itogon, Benguet to deliver and collected breast milk from donors in La Trinidad and Baguio City and conduct nutrition counselling. It was a response from the call of the Itogon RHU to help a one month old baby boy who recently lost her mother after birth. The baby was currently being fed with formula milk and thus had pushed the health workers in Itogon to seek out the aid of the Regional Nutrition Cluster in sourcing out breast milk donations that will be consumed by the baby. The caretaker was taught on how to thaw the frozen breast milk and cup feed the baby. The case of the baby was referred to the Provincial and Municipal Nutrition Action Officers for continuity of the breast milk supply. As part of the First 1000 Days (F1KD) Advocacy of the Department of Health and other partners, all interventions should be done on the first 1000 days of a baby from conception until two years of age to decrease the likelihood of having malnutrition and other diseases. In the first 100 days, exclusive breastfeeding is strongly highlighted. Breast milk will provide all the nutrients that a baby will need for a normal and healthy growth. The pandemic might have caused many difficulties on the implementation of various health interventions integrated in the First 1000 Days program but this is also the time where it needs to be more advocated to protect our children.

5 HEALTH VOICE BAGUIO CITY- Amidst the pandemic, the Regional Bantay Asin Task-Force Cordillera conducted salt testing as part of their monitoring activities on November 27, 2020 at Ecolodge, Magsaysay, Baguio City with strict compliance to recommended health protocols. The activity was spearheaded by DOHCHD-CAR as the chairperson of the RBATFCordillera and the National Nutrition CouncilCAR as RBATF member and the secretariat. A total of 401 salt samples from the different provinces were tested by the nutritionistdietitians of the Human Resource for Health of DOH deployed in the province of Benguet and city of Baguio together Ms. Candice Salingbay and Ms. Xaenadja Ebony Maligpas, nutritionists from DOH-CHD-CAR and Ms. Rita D. Papey,Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of the National Nutrition CouncilCAR. Among the salt samples, 93 samples were from Abra, 133 were from Apayao, 54 from Benguet, 73 from Ifugao and 22 and 26 from Kalinga and Mt. Province respectively. Samples are from households and some are from sari-sari stores. At the household level, iodine content of 15-29 ppm (parts per million) is considered adequate, 30-70ppm at the market or distributor level while 70 ppm and above at the production site is the allowable iodine content of salt. As for the results, 212 of it or 52.86% have poor iodine content of 14 ppm and below while 47.14% or 189 samples are adequately iodized with 15ppm and above iodine content. Samples from Abra showed that 90.32% of the salt samples have poor iodine content of 14ppm and below, 57.69% from Mt. Province, 50% from Benguet, 5.11% from Apayao, 27.40% from Ifugao and 27.27% were from Kalinga. Due to the current pandemic, specific details on the sources of salt supplies were not traced but in general, majority of salt from Apayao were purchased from Cagayan while major supplies in Abra were from Pangasinan. From the 50% salt samples from Benguet with adequate iodine content, three samples were specified as Cordillera Iodized Salt, a product of the Benguet Salt Iodization Plant (BSIP) in La Trinidad being managed by the federation of barangay health workers (BHW) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS). Other brands which with adequate iodine content include Fidel and Mc Cormick. NEP, PDOHO Benguet RBATF-Cordillera Conducts Iodized Salt Testing Ms. Nancy E. Paclos Nutritionist-Dietician (HRH) DOH-CHD-CAR Ms. Leni Marie Eroy, Nutritionist-Dietician deployed in the province of Benguet conducting salt testing using the WYD Iodine Checker Machine on November 27, 2020 in Baguio City

6 The DOH CHD CAR NVBSP in partnership with the Office of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation – Baguio City and the Baguio Blood Service Networks conducted SK Blood Olympics in the City of Baguio City from July to October 2020. The activity aims to ensure adequate blood supply for COVID-19 response and management of patients requiring emergency blood transfusions. The activity infused the term “Olympics” in order to generate the interest of the youth to participate in the endeavor that donating blood is indeed a humanitarian act and as their vital contribution in nation building and during this time of pandemic. The mechanics of the activity are: (1) SK Presidents in all Barangays in the City to encourage qualified youth aged 18 to 30 years old to donate blood; and (2) Top 10 Barangays with the most number youth blood donors based on the population of youth in their barangays will be declared winners. Winners of the SK Blood Olympics were the following: Lower Lourdes Subdivision, South Drive, Upper Magsaysay, Legarda-Burnham-Kisad, Pinsao Pilot Project, Kabayanihan, Andres Bonifacio-Caguioa-Rimando (ABCR), Aurora Hill Proper (Malvar-Sgt. Floresca), Salud Mitra, Upper General Luna. A total of 213 blood units were collected from the non-remunerated blood donors. Collected blood units were shared to all participating Blood Service Facilities in Baguio City. DOH CHD CAR Holds first SK Blood Olympics in Baguio City Mr. Vincent D. Ingen Senior Health Program Officer DOH-CHD-CAR

7 HEALTH VOICE BREASTFEEDING AMIDST COVID-19 PANDEMIC Ms. Candice C. Salingbay Nutritionist-Dietician IV DOH-CHD-CAR Breastfeeding is the best protective measure available for healthy and at-risk infants and their mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, breastfeeding should not be interrupted, mothers and infants should not be separated, and skin-toskin contact should not be discontinued. Based on evidence, the virus is not transmitted via breastmilk. For this reason, the benefits of breastmilk outweigh the risk of breastfeeding cessation and of potential transmission of the coronavirus. The Mother-Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (MBFHI) was launched by the Department of Health in 1992 in line with the Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 (RA 7600). In this law, all private and government hospitals offering maternity and newborn care may be accredited as Mother-Baby Friendly Facility if they implement the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. The DOH-Center for Health Development Office is responsible for providing the technical assistance and assessment to all health facilities providing maternity and newborn care. The regional MBFHI Assessment Team courageously assessed thirty (30) facilities with expired MBFHI certifications by conducting the following: Interview with the head of maternity services and other key staff, filling up of hospital data sheet, and review of written materials and ward observations. To ensure that the policies are well-implemented, the assessment team validated through face-to-face interview with clinical staff, with non-clinical staff, with mothers and with pregnant women. The number of respondents depend on the bed capacity of the hospital. After successful completion of the external assessment, and the facility is compliant to the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, the CHD will issue the MBFHI Certificate of Commitment to the facility valid for two years. This certification is required for the renewal of the facility’s license to operate. Travelling around the Cordillera hospitals for the assessment amidst the pandemic requires courage and confidence. Your mind and body should be ready in facing the invisible threat COVID-19 virus. Undergoing very uncomfortable swabbing before travelling, waiting for the result while isolating yourself, etc.. Simply, as a nutritionist, I stand with my advocacy that good nutrition plays an integral role in maintaining a healthy body, including the immune system to ward off diseases plus of course observance of minimum health protocols. After having visited all the provinces including going around the City of Baguio, and for having been negative in all the RT-PCR tests conducted, I can say that my team was able to beat the virus while performing our deliverables. But it does not end there, we still continue to observe health protocols while keeping ourselves healthy.

8 “CDH to Upgrade Infrastructure and Services Towards Quality Health Care” Mr. Jaybone F. Bauag HRH COS Conner District Hospital Ms. Elinor D. Latupan HFDU Conner District Hospital CDH was established through a bill in congress sponsored by Apayao great leader Elias K. Bulut, Sr. President Fidel V. Ramos signed it into law thru RA 7850 on December 24, 1994. It began from a humble beginning. It started its operation in December 1997 under the Provincial Government and later under DOH retained hospital on October 2000. It transferred to its present and final location at Ripang, Conner, Apayao on January 2006. The limited space and resources did not hinder the hospital in offering quality hospital services to its clients. Conner is located in a Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area (GIDA). The hospital clients come from upper Apayao (Calanasan, Kabugao, Pudtol, Conner), Cagayan (Rizal, Tuao) and Kalinga (Pinukpok), Today, CDH as a licensed 25 bed level I hospital, implements 30-45 beds depending on the surge of inpatients. It provides non-departmentalized OB-Gyne, pediatrics, general surgery and internal medicine to its clients. Conner District Hospital’s commitment to the public remain steadfast: to deliver quality, accessible and holistic care to the people. This commitment is our springboard for our vision of becoming a level II General Hospital in the near future. In our bid to upgrade our service capability, we are organizing and proposing for departmentalization in surgery, obstetrics, medicine and pediatrics. A new building has been constructed to house our General ICU, Neonatal ICU, Respiratory Unit and High Risk Pregnancy Unit. Activities are underway to set it up with the proper equipment and supplies. The proposal for manpower complement for these areas have been drafted and is for submission to the DOH Regional Office. Our laboratory boasts of services at par with those in the cities, with minimal fees, hoping to institutionalize a functional genexpert laboratory by 2021 manned by trained personnel. This would be a big help in the case detection of COVID-19 patients. The radiology department of CDH hopes to become a secondary

9 HEALTH VOICE level x-ray with mobile unit by 2021. Our application for these and the necessary papers have been submitted. The recent visit of Dir. Leonita P. Gorgolon to our facility helped clarify questions regarding our proposed infrastructure for the years to come, commending the hospital for being proactive in the realization of goals. She further proposed the addition of a garden within the hospital as this is necessary for the preservation of our environment. Proposed buildings for 2021 include Malasakit Center, Hospital Pharmacy, Sewerage Treatment Plant, Perimeter Fencing, Isolation Room with negative pressure and extension of main building to house Pediatric and Medical Ward. Ultimately, we envision that by year 2024, a Dialysis Center would be in place and functional. Above all, to achieve all of these, we have adopted these strategies; upgrading service capability and capacity through procurement of medical equipment and goods/supplies for patient’s use to deliver effective and quality health care services to all patients, implement adequate staffing based on revised standard staffing 2013 edition and complaint to licensing requirements, training need analysis of all hospital staff prioritizing the development of middle managers to include trainings for diplomats and felloes for physicians and completion of ongoing construction of additional wards and appropriate rooms for medical equipment. Amidst these trying times, COVID-19 has tested our resilience as health workers responding to the needs of our constituents. And like before, we remained committed, even more so, to our sworn duties. The future may look bleak as of now, but we live and function with the hope that tomorrow may bring.

10 BGHMC gears up for Universal Healthcare Roll Out amidst the “VUCA” times Ms. Ashley Melecio Health Education and Promotion Officer III Public Health Unit - BGHMC BGHMC, Baguio City. The Public Health Unit of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) culminated this year’s UHC calendar with a Training of Trainor’s and Strategic Planning on December 16-18, 2020 at the Venus Park View Hotel, Baguio City to beef up next year’s full blast implementation. The training was aimed at formally capacitating and re-equipping the 28- stronghold of the PHU team led by Dr. Leamor D. Fangonilo, in the UHC program delivery. The Unit’s teams from the four (4) sub-sections namely Health Care Provider Network, Health Epidemiology and Surveillance, Health Emergency Management, and Health Education Promotion as well its administrative support was present during the event. The formal training was a breather for the team after 8 months from the unit’s creation. The event highlighted the significant roles and functions of the BGHMC as an APEX hospital and the PHU as the lead in program implementation in the context of the current situation described as Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA). Medical Center Chief Dr. Ricardo B. Runez underscored BGHMC’s noble responsibility being the APEX hospital in North-Luzon in benchmarking the processes in UHC program execution. He expressed his gratitude for the PHU team’s efforts in augmenting the Covid-stricken workforce during the early part of the year. The 3-day event kicked off with a general orientation on the salient points of the Universal Health Care Law by Mr. Michael Capuyan, Development Management Officer of DOH. Relevant policy provisions including the role of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in the program were discussed by Dr. Bridgit Haydee Salao and Dr. Glenn Cornelio Lamsis of the DOH-CHD and Philhealth, respectively. Dr. Ryan Guinaran, Executive Director of Doctors for Indigenous Health and Culturally Competent Training, Education, Networking and Governance (DITENG) Inc. delivered the event’s climax. His talk focused on the social and political challenges and the importance of the concept of Bridging Leadership (BL) as a method in the quest for sustainable outcomes in UHC implementation. He emphasized the need to cultivate the values and concepts learned from BL as well as a shared vision to promote multi-stakeholder processes to address the societal inequities presented, and collaborative action in service delivery. The event concluded with the formulation of the team’s strategic plan for the full program roll out scheduled in the first quarter of next year. Since the enactment of the Universal Health Care Law on February 20, 2019, all efforts for a full take off has been put to a halt due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Standard infection prevention protocols were strictly observed during the 3-day training.

11 HEALTH VOICE BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 campaign in Cordillera Patrick P. Pineda Health Education and Promotion Officer III DOH-CHD-CAR On the 42nd IATF Meeting, dated June 1, 2020, the Department presented a nationwide behavior change campaign that will center on mandating masks, ensuring sanitation, physical distancing, and fighting fake news. The Department of Health (DOH), on behalf of the Interagency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) and in coordination with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), is currently leading the implementation of a nationwide campaign against COVID-19. Despite the deluge of information about COVID-19, many Filipinos still do not comply with the minimum public health standards set in order to prevent COVID-19 from continuously spreading in the community. Many of the Filipinos believe that surviving hunger is far more important than preventing transmission of the virus or surviving COVID-19. These behaviors gravely affect our collective fight against COVID-19. We believe in a strong and cohesive information campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic that continuously affects us in many ways. The “BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19” aims to encourage Filipino people to take an active role in the fight against our common enemy: COVID19 (the “COntraVIDa”). The campaign promotes the active role of individuals in the fight against COVID-19 by practicing the following behaviors simplified into 4 letters: B - Bawal walang mask, I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay D - Dumistansya ng isang metro, A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon. The Campaign will focus on ensuring optimized collaboration with the National Government Agencies and its local counterparts in the ground. Partnering with the private stakeholders, civil society organizations, and development partners will strengthen the campaign and ensure maximum reach across the country. Our goal in this roll-out is to reach every Filipino. The Department of Health – Center for Health Development implemented the campaign through various touchpoints such as: Utilizing out of home or on ground print materials and quad media platforms such as TV, Radio, LED billboard display and posting of social media cards in the region’s official FB page. There was adoption of the campaign by issuance of localized policies to various stakeholders. Campaign materials were distributed to the provinces and city and campaign collaterals were given to CHDCAR staff to remind them about the importance of adhering to the workplace minimum health standards. The campaign instills to our audience the messages: “I am BIDA. You are BIDA. We are all BIDA and we will BIDA Solusyon” and “Let’s us all be part of the solution, not the problem”

12 “MR-OPV SIA Campaign”: Immunization amidst the pandemic Mr. Karl Aldrail C. Sam Health Education and Promotion Officer II DOH-CHD-CAR The year 2020 was really a challenge for every one of us especially those who serve as essential services, frontliners, and health workers. A lot of sectors even the general public are gravely affected and each and every one of us strived harder to adjust to the situation and started embracing the “New Normal.” Altogether we fought hard to survive the year and combat the pandemic as one; Indeed 2020 is a very challenging year but our perseverance and relentlessness helped us pushed through this difficult times. The Department of Health never stopped giving their full support and efforts in fighting the pandemic; but of course, COVID-19 is not the only fight out there; our immunization program never stopped and also fought hard to protect our children from Measles, Rubella, and Polio by implementing our “Chikiting Ligtas Kontra Measles Rubella at Polio” or our Measles, Rubella, Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR-OPV SIA) Campaign. The Cordillera Administrative Region was one of the regions that were included in the Phase One of this campaign. And of course, this was fully supported by our Local Government Units and other stakeholders as they also share DOH-CHD-CAR’s mission and vision towards a Healthier Cordillera. In this article, come and join us in the journey of our Regional Director and her team as they travelled across the provinces of the Cordillera Region to monitor the implementation of the MR-OPV SIA Campaign and also to make efficient use of the opportunity, RD and the team also monitored provincial health facility’s COVID-19 preparedness and some on-going HFEP Projects in the province. Bontoc Municipal Hall The local government of Bontoc warmly welcomed Director Constantino and the team at the municipal hall, afterwards, a short program for the launching of MROPV SIA campaign started. It was commenced by the performance of the Bontoc LGU choir; they sang the invocation, hymn, and intermission songs. Welcome remarks were given by Mayor Franklin C. Odsey followed by the welcome messages of the Governor Bonifacio C. Lacwasan, Jr. and Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog Jr. Congressman Dalog also remarked the timely visit of our Regional Director to their province to also assess the preparedness of the health facilities in addressing COVID-19 cases. All of the LCEs gave their thanks in the continuous support of DOH in addressing health concerns in their province. Afterwards, Ms. Judith Dao-as, DMO of PDOHO Mt. Province, introduced our Regional Director to the participants. Director Constantino then delivered her message. In her director’s message she iterated that health services must still continue amidst this pandemic. Immunization is one of the most important of it all as these vaccines are proven effective and safe, and with this, we can secure a brighter and healthy future for our children. RD also stated that the reason OPV was included in this campaign is that because of the outbreak that happened in the previous year, we also have to consider that due to the easing of quarantine protocols, people are now more mobile and there will be a possibility that measles, rubella, polio, and other diseases may reach the provinces of the Cordillera. RD also commends CAR in topping and being very good with regards of surveillance. This immunization campaign is a preventive strategy; RD expressed her gratitude for the parents and officials who supports the advocacy; all of the stakeholders need to cooperate for a healthier future and encourages parents and guardians to submit their child for immunization. Ceremonial vaccination was performed, OPV was given by our RD Constantino and MR vaccination was performed by Ms. Joycelyn Rillorta to the volunteer children. Bontoc General Hospital & Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital The team also visited the Bontoc General Hospital and Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital to monitor the facilities and to assess their capabilities in handling

13 HEALTH VOICE COVID-19 cases. On Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, RD Constantino and the team was warmly welcomed by Medical Center Chief himself Dr. Eduardo P. Calpito. Dr. Calpito gave RD Constantino a tour of every department and facilities Luis Hora have including all that are currently ongoing construction and future plans. • • • October 28, 2020: Kalinga • • • Regular PIATF Meeting – Tabuk City The Regular PIATF Meeting at Tabuk City Kalinga was the first Itinerary for the day. The meeting commenced immediately upon the arrival of RD’s team and PDOHO. Participants was acknowledged by the Provincial Health Officer. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mayor Darwin C. Estrañero followed by RD Constantino’s Message. In the Director’s Message RD discussed HFEP budget and iterated that the budget approved was for equipment only, no budget was approved yet for infrastructure; in addition, additional HRH is also included in the 2021 project. After the Director’s message, the following were presented as follows: COVID-19 situationer in Kalinga by the LGU sanitary engineer, Response Plan and Budget, Best Practices presented by the City Health Officer, and MR-OPV SIA status. Due to increase in COVID-19 positive cases. The province is advised to increase their bed capacity and manpower. The DOH is very welcome to provide assistance as needed. Dagupan Weste MR-OPV SIA campaign fixed post After the meeting RD Constantino and the team visited Dagupan Weste’s MR-OPV SIA campaign fixed post to monitor the ongoing vaccination campaign in the area. Facility visit at Kalinga RD Constantino and the team then afterwards visited the following health facilities to assess their capability in handling COVID-19 cases in the Province: Agbannawag TTMF, Kalinga Provincial Hospital, Pinukpuk RHU & TTMF, and Pinukpuk District Hospital. A situationer per facility was presented during the visit

14 Conner, Apayao Municipal Hall Ending the day, the team travelled to Conner, Apayao to a courtesy call to Mayor Martina W. Dangoy of Conner Apayao. Discussion regarding MR-OPV SIA campaign as well as HFEP budget for 2021 was made. The Mayor gave her continuous support for the DOH in implementing health programs in their municipality. Conner District Hospital RD Constantino and the team’s last stop for the day was Conner District Hospital, the team was welcomed by the Chief of Hospital himself, Dr. Nelson Rigor, together with his staff, a short welcome program was prepared wherein Dr. Rigor properly introduced RD Constantino to his staff. On the next day, Dr. Rigor gave RD Constantino and the team a detailed tour of their hospital facilities including the ones that are still undergoing construction. COVID-19 preparedness was also assessed by RD Constantino. At the time of the visit, there was no significant assistance in terms of PPEs and HRH that the hospital needs from DOH. • • • October 29, 2020: Ifugao • • • Lamut Ifugao RD and the team’s next in the itinerary is Lamut Ifugao, first stop is a courtesy call with Mayor Mariano B. Buyagawan, Jr. with a short program presentation of Best Practices and COVID-19 response of the LGU. RD commends the LGU in their initiative, superb response, and a very hospitable approach in catering the quarantined individuals. RD Constantino also commends the LGU of Lamut for their strict checkpoints established in their entry points. Lamut Quarantine Facility This quarantine facility is a fresh view from RD and the team, it is established in a resort and the rooms are designed like a bungalow nipa hut. There is also a quarantine area that the houses/apartments were built by each barangay with their own unique design which overall looks like a subdivision or a vacation area which was considered to be repurposed when the pandemic ends. Lagawe Provincial Capitol Courtesy call with Governor Jerry U. Dalipog was held

15 HEALTH VOICE at the Provincial Capitol this is also the rendezvous place with HFEP Director Leonita Gorgolon’s team (with CHD-CAR HFEP Head Dr Alexei Marrero and Engr. Arianne Paneda) before proceeding to the construction site of Ifugao General Hospital. Ifugao General Hospital Monitoring and site visit of the construction site for Ifugao General Hospital was conducted by HFEP Director Gorgolon and team, CHD-CAR Director Ruby C. Constantino and team, and Ifugao Governor Jerry U. Dalipog and team. Several concerns were discussed such as funding and target completion date for the facility. Director Gorgolon advised to finish a certain part of the hospital first that can be functional rather than waiting for the whole facility to be finished. MR-OPV SIA Campaign Situationer A short presentation by PHO Priscilla Pagada was delivered to update Dir. Gorgolon and RD Constantino on the current accomplishment of the province with regards to the MR-OPV SIA campaign. Dir. Gorgolon pushed the province to achieve 100% coverage by the end of the campaign to leave no child behind with this preventive strategy. Dir Gorgolon also advised to put up more IECs/tarpaulins in strategic areas to promote more of the campaign. • • • October 30, 2020: Ifugao • • • Panopdopan District Hospital and Construction site of proposed Lagawe Quarantine Facility. Only two stops remaining in the itinerary for the final day of week 1 monitoring, first stop was a hospital facility visit and assessment of the hospital in catering COVID-19 cases at the Panopdopan District hospital, RD and the team was given a tour around the facilities of the hospital; also, a COVID-19 short situationer was discussed verbally while making rounds around the hospital. And finally wrapping up the week 1 of the monitoring, RD and the team visited and inspected the ongoing renovation/construction of the proposed Lagawe Quarantine Facility. It was aimed to be finished and functional before the end of the year 2020 to help address and increase the bed capacity for COVID-19 cases in the province. • • • November 3, 2020: Benguet • • • Tublay, Benguet Municipal Hall and RHU Kick starting the week 2 of the activity, RD and the team attended the flag ceremony of the Municipal Hall of Tublay Benguet, welcomed by Mayor Armando I. Lauro and his team. The Mayor Lauro introduced RD Constantino to his staff then afterwards, RD Constantino delivered her message and encourages

16 parents and guardians to submit their children for the MR-OPV SIA campaign. After the flag ceremony, The Mayor’s team and RD’s team then proceeded to the Mayor’s office for a short meeting, in here discussion on HFEP budget for 2021 and MR-OPV SIA Campaign plans were discussed. Tublay already reached around 30% accomplishment but have not yet encoded on the ODK due to connectivity issues. A brief situationer on the Municipality’s accomplishment with regards to the MROPV SIA campaign was also given by the RHU staff. Tuba RHU Second itinerary for the day was monitoring of MROPV SIA Campaign status in Tublay Benguet. RD and the team visited the RHU where they monitored the current status and accomplishment of the municipality in terms of the immunization campaign. Sablan RHU The final itinerary before the long travel to Apayao Province was to Monitor MR-OPV SIA campaign in the municipality of Sablan. The RHU staff gave RD and the team a brief situationer of their accomplishment. RD commends the municipality as they have no deferrals and refusal and was already on 50% coverage by the time of the monitoring. RD also visited the vaccination site just beside the RHU at the basketball court. • • • November 4, 2020: Apayao • • • Apayao Provincial Capitol The team started the day with a Courtesy call with Governor Eleonor B. Begtang of Apayao province. RD Constantino briefly discussed the 2021 HFEP budget for Apayao which aims to construct at least 200 beds in the province. Discussion on where the planned molecular lab will be built also arose. The LGU commits to shoulder the construction and human resource but their training was requested to be handled by the DOH. Apayao TTMF Third stop for the day was a visit to the Apayao TTMF. A COVID-19 Cases briefer was presented to RD and the team. A total of 20 Beds were established in the facility. Home quarantine was discouraged in Apayao, as a result, all cases are admitted on TTMFs, Hospitals, or Quarantine Facilities. Far North Luzon General Hospital and Training Center RD Constantino and the team was warmly welcomed by Medical Center Chief Dr. Marlene Lubo and the hospital staff. A short program was held to welcome RD Constantino then afterwards, Dr. Lubo gave RD

17 HEALTH VOICE Constantino a detailed tour in the facility including the areas that are currently under construction. Establishment of a Molecular lab in the hospital was planned with the Governor. MR-OPV SIA fixed post visit Next stop, RD and the team visited and monitored the ongoing MR-OPV SIA campaign in Dagupan Apayao and in Pudtol THU. In Dagupan, RD herself gave OPV to a child and Ms. Rillorta also participated in vaccinating children. Additionally, RD also monitored the ongoing construction of a Brangay Health Station near Pudtol RHU Pudtol, Apayao RD and the team gave a Courtesy Call with Mayor Hector Reuel D. Pascua in DRRM Operation Center. RD discussed with the Mayor and the MHO the MROPV SIA Campaign in the municipality as well as HFEP plans. Facility Visits RD and the team also visited the following facilities for their COVID-19 preparedness: Amma Jadsac District Hospital, Sta Marcela District Hospital, Flora District Hospital. Each facility visited presented their situationer and gave a tour around their premises as well as their container van type isolation facilities that was initiated by their local government to strengthen their COVID-19 response in terms of bed capacity. Flora, Apayao For the final stop of the day, RD and the team gave a Courtesy Call with the Mayor at the Apayao Municipal Hall. Here the Mayor introduced the municipality’s staff specially the MHO. Discussions on COVID-19 best practices and HFEP plans was made during the Courtesy Call.

18 • • • November 5, 2020: Abra • • • Peñarrubia, Abra First stop for the last day of the 2-week monitoring was a fixed post vaccination site on Peñarrubia Abra, as Abra was the number 1 in terms of coverage by the time of the visit, RD congratulates and commends Abra team in their effort. At the time of the visit, Peñarrubia already covered 71% of their target; however, some children in the area already went home in their own provinces with their family due to the quarantine, these children were included in the projected population; thus, completing the 100% coverage is quite not possible at the moment. Some children were deferred because they are sick but the health workers committed to come back to vaccinate the child when the child is already well. Abra Provincial Capitol Next stop in the itinerary for the day is a Courtesy Call with Abra Governor Maria Jocelyn Bernos. RD and the team were welcomed and then proceeded to the atrium for a short meeting. RD and the Governor discussed 2021 HFEP funding and the planned procurement and establishment of a molecular laboratory in the Province of Abra. Abra Provincial Isolation Unit - TTMF After the courtesy call, the PHO accompanied RD and the team to visit Abra’s TTMF. This TTMF is currently for accreditation of PhilHealth for the establishment to receive claims. People around the area still has stigma on the facility and the virus that’s why they use abbreviations when they mention the facility (PIUTTMF). There are also container van type isolation rooms in the facility. The LGU prefers this type of rooms as they are easy and fast to install and it costs less than actually building a newly constructed facility. Tayum, Abra For last stop of the day and the final itenerary commenced with Courtesy Call with the Mayor of Tayum, Abra. RD and the team were warmly welcomed by the MHO and staff and gave a dance number of their MR-OPV Campaign as well as the Handwashing Campaign. RD and the team monitored Tayum’s Current accomplishment in terms of the MR-OPV SIA Campaign. Discussions on antigen test and establishment of molecular laboratory also took place. Summing up, CAR’s accomplishment or the percentage of children immunized at the end of the campaign was 86.70% for Measles-Rubella Vaccine and 85.30% for Oral Polio Vaccine. Which means more than 85% of all children in the Cordillera Region Received the vaccine and are protected against Measles, Rubella, and Polio. This significantly decreases the chance that an outbreak of such diseases may occur in the region. This is a very achieving accomplishment for the region; however, we still should not be complacent and shall still strive to achieve 100% fully immunized children in the Cordillera on the next immunization campaign. Even though the campaign is finished, the Department of Health still continuously urge all parents and guardians to immunize all of their children; these vaccines are 100% safe and effective. A healthy future is one of the best gift you can give to your children. Again, vaccines are FREE, SAFE, AND EFFECTIVE. Together, through our joint efforts and support, we will surely achieve our goal to have a healthier Cordillera for the Cordillerans.

19 HEALTH VOICE “We Fight as One Cordillera! We Heal as One Cordillera!”: DOH-CHD-CAR COVID-19 Response Ms. Glydel Ann L. Daniel HEPO I (JC) DOH-CHD-CAR Ms. Shena G. Gabon HEPO II (JC) DOH-CHD-CAR Several months have passed since the start of battle against COVID-19. COVID-19 is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and known by many as an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. The virus is passed on from one person to another through saliva droplets or nose discharge from a cough or sneeze. Senior citizens and those with medical conditions are more prone to having the said disease. On the 11th of March 2020, WHO declared COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic. For quite a long period of time, places were put into lockdown and quarantine. People can’t easily visit or go into places unlike before. There are a lot of requirements they have to comply with before they can travel and enter cities or provinces. Many were saddened by this since it became a hindrance to them from being with their loved ones, friends and colleagues whenever they want to. Social gatherings like big events and celebrations were restricted. Some were even cancelled or postponed. Physical classes were converted into online classes and modules. For a while, restaurants stopped offering dine in services. Only takeout and deliveries were allowed. People now live in a world facing the new normal. Physical distancing and wearing of face masks and face shields became a must. Washing of hands and disinfection of things became a practice. This pandemic has brought a very big change and made a very remarkable impact to everyone’s lives. Few days left before the year ends but COVID-19 remains a threat to mankind. As of December 29, 2020, cases continue to rise around the globe. Worldwide data reveals 79.6 M confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1.6M deaths. At the top is still USA with 18.8M cases, followed by India at 10.2M, Brazil at 7.4M, and Russia at 3M. The Philippines shows 469,886 confirmed cases and 9,124 deaths, but with 438,780 recoveries. Cordillera, on the other hand, has 7,971 cases. A total of 67 cases have been added to the number of confirmed cases since yesterday. This is a 3.82% increase compared to that of reported in December 22, 2020. The region ranks 6 out of 17 regions with total numbers of confirmed cases. 1083 cases are still admitted but in stable condition. 99 recorded deaths reveal a CFR of 1.24%. As per ADAR and 2-week Growth Rate, CAR is in moderate risk and BLISST in high risk. Baguio City and Benguet remain in high risk for having the greatest numbers of cases at 50% and 38%, respectively. Clustering of cases were noted in areas where crowding of people is usually observed such as in private In Photo: WHO Visits BGHMC In Photo: Kapihan sa Baguio: Forum on Health Events and COVID-19 Updates

20 and government workplaces, in households, in closed- and semi-closed facilities, and in commercial or public areas. The Department of Health-Center for Health DevelopmentCAR continued its services ever since the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in the country and was declared as a public health emergency until now. DOH-CHD-CAR had provided various logistics and technical assistance to the healthcare providers who have served as frontliners in this challenging times of a pandemic. From March 17 to December 23, 2020, DOH-CHD-CAR have released 8.2 billion worth of commodities for use in COVID-19 response in the region. Moreover, through the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP), 22 million worth of medical equipment for COVID-19 response were allocated various DOH hospitals and facilities, Rural Health Units (RHUs), Provincial Health Office, isolation facilities, and Temporary Treatment and Management Facilities (TTMFs). Moreover, the DOH-CHD-CAR Health Promotion Section intensified its advocacy in promoting the minimum health standards in order to protect each one from the said virus. Thus, BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 was launched. BIDA stands for Bawal ang walang face mask, I-sanitize ang kamay, Dumistansya ng isang metro, Alamin ang totoong impormasyon. Posters and flyers of this advocacy were distributed in different places of the region and infographics are posted at the DOH-CHDCAR official website and Facebook page for more effective information dissemination. Also, the office itself displays these posters for reminders to all employees. This year was truly a challenging one for everyone especially to our frontliners. On the other hand, the DOHCHD-CAR together with its partner agencies shall continue to serve the public amidst any threat of this global pandemic. In Photos: Launching og Cordillera One Hospital Command Ceter (COHCC) as one of the response in fighting the COVID-19 Pandemic In Photo: Press Briefing on COVID-19

21 HEALTH VOICE 2020 General Assembly and Sintil Awards Goes Online Glydel Ann L. Daniel Health Education and Promotion Officer I (JC) DOH-CHD-CAR The DOH-CHD CAR conducted its first ever online General Assembly and Sintil Awards last December 14, 2020 at the Regional Training Center. It is a yearly activity wherein employees and staff are recognized by the institution to show gratitude for a job well done. It is also a way of encouragement to others to strive for excellence. It was conducted virtually through WebEx due to the current situation, the COVID-19 pandemic. The activity started with the General Assembly. Engr. Julius Solano talked about disinfection general rules and guidelines. He mentioned the three high risk areas for COVID-19 namely close spaces with insufficient ventilation, conversations in short distance, and crowded conditions with people. He ended the talk by reminding everyone to wear proper personal protective equipment, to sanitize and to disinfect. The awarding ceremony was started by an opening remarks from the Regional Director, Dr. Ruby C. Constantino, MD, MPH, CESO IV. She emphasized that despite the situation, the DOH-CHD CAR with its employees has a goal to achieve which is to serve the public with professionalism, responsiveness, integrity, excellence and compassion. The assembly was followed by the most awaited Sintil Awards. “Sintil” is an Ibaloi term which means “to care”. Awards given to both permanent staff and job contractors were categorized into five. First category is the Performance Type Awards. These awards were bagged by 17 employees namely: Outstanding DOH CHDCAR Employee (Permanent)-Ms. Karen B. Lonogan; Outstanding DOH CHD-CAR Division Chief-Dr. Virginia L. Narciso; Outstanding DOH CHD-CAR Section/ Cluster Head-Dr. Anachris M. Kilakil; Outstanding DOH CHDCAR DMO V-Dr. Mercedes S. Calpito; Outstanding DOH CHD-CAR DMO IV-Mr. Remegio A. Basilan; Best Program Coordinator (Male)-Mr. Vincent D. Ingen; Best Program Coordinator (Female)-Ms. Joycelyn Z. Rillorta; Best Regulations and Licensing Officer (Male)-Engr. Braille A. Cawis; Best Regulations and Licensing Officer (Female)-Ms. Charis I. Taguibos; Best Administrative Support Provider (Male)-Mr. Christopher B. Obidoza; Best Administrative Support Provider (Female)-Ms. Siena Veronica D. Judan; Outstanding HRH-Ms. April Dawn F. Mamalio; Outstanding DOH CHD-CAR Employee (Job Contractor)-Engr. Julius C. Solano; Customer Excellence Award (Permanent, Male)-Mr. Karl Aldrail C. Sam; Customer Excellence Award (Permanent, Female)-Dr. Anabelle A. Bawang; Customer Excellence Award (Job Contractor, Male)-Mr. Elvin R. Clavio; and Customer Excellence Award (Job Contractor, Female)-Ms. Fritzel B. Batag. Second category is the Loyalty Awards. 10-year award was given to Dr. Anabelle A. Bawang and Ms. Anna Theresa T. Gawidan; 25-year award was given to Mr. Patrick P. Pineda and Ms. Martha L. Bania-ao; 30-year award was given to Dr. Janice Z. Bugtong, Engr. Nelson G. Cara, and Ms. Edna T. Pamo; and 35-year award was given to Ms. Francisca B. Liclic, Dr. Natividad T. Orprecio, and Ms. Mary Lee L. Piluden. Third category is the DOH Core Values Awards. The awardees are the following: Professionalism-Ms. Elnoria G.

22 Bugnosen; Responsiveness-Ms. Charlyn B. Tagabing; Integrity-Dr. Janice Z. Bugtong; Compassion-Mr. Darwin F. Babon; and Excellence-Atty. Veronica Zandra L. De Jesus-Sowaken. Fourth category is the COVID-19 Heroes Awards awarded to the following: COVID-19 Technical Assistance Provider of the Year-Ms. Diana D. Palangchao; COVID-19 Responder Award-Mr. Clark P. Dizon; COVID-19 Supervisor of the Year-Ms. Geeny Anne I. Austria; COVID-19 Health Promoter of the Year-Dr. Jennifer Joyce R. Pira; COVID-19 Brave Heart of the Year-Dr. Mary Jane Grace L. Muñoz; COVID-19 Innovator of the Year-Mr. Resyl P. Liwanag; COVID-19 Best New ICT System of the Year-Mr. Rolf Cayce P. Dy; COVID-19 Support Staff of the Year-Ms. Esther Marah G. Bantales; COVID-19 Best Disease Surveillance Officer-Ms. Debbie Jen R. Osben; and COVID-19 Best Driver-Mr. Rowell C. Laroco. Lastly, five retirees (Ms. Arcely D. Sanchez, Ms. Elnoria G. Bugnosen, Dr. Judy D. Lacar, Ms. Emily G. Quines and Ms. Maria Nariza Y. Pagadut) were also recognized for their service to DOH-CHD CAR. Some of the awardees also gave their messages as their appreciation for the recognition they have received. Dr. Janice Bugtong who was awarded for her integrity shared three things on how she manifests the value itself. First, she believes she has to give the government its money’s worth so she performs her salary’s worth of work. Second, she does her best to always do the right things. And third, she tries hard to deliver her promises and commitments to her duties and responsibilities. Ms. Arcely Sanchez, a retiree, gave a message as well. She has been in the government service for 37.5 years and she is happy, grateful, and thankful for the Lord for allowing her to become what she has become. She started as a bookkeeper, UNICEF assisted funds in 1971 up to 1983. She got a permanent position of bookkeeper at the Under 6 Clinic now called the Under 5 Clinic of the BGHMC then promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant. In September 1989, she joined the DOH-CHD CAR as Administrative Officer III then appointed as Supply Officer III which was retitled to Administrative Officer V. In 2014, she got the position of Supervising Administrative Officer, then today her current position as Chief Administrative Officer. To close the awarding ceremony, Assistant Regional Director, Dr. Amelita M. Pangilinan, MD, MPH, CESO IV thanked the Lord for making all things possible. She congratulated all the awardees and ended her message with a quote from Vince Lombardi saying, “The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”

23 HEALTH VOICE Pacac BHS, Doloras Abra DOLORES hospital, Abra CAPAGAYPAYAN BHS, LUNA APAYAO MALLIG BHS, FLORA, APAYAO STA. MARIA BHS, FLORA, APAYAO TABIO BHS, MANKAYAN, APAYAO DANGGO BHS, TINOC, IFUGAO NALBU BHS, MAYOYAO, IFUGAO LOWER LUHONG BHS, TINOC, IFUGAO TULLUDAN BHS, KIANGAN, IFUGAO UBAO BHS, AGUINALDO, IFUGAO GUINIHON BHS, MAYOYAO, IFUGAO KINAMA BHS, RIZAL Kalinga TABUK RHU III, Kalinga TABUK RHU III, Kalinga PARACELIS DiSTRIC HOSPITAL, MT. PROV. STA. ISABELA BHS, NATINON, MT. PROV. SADSADAN BHS, BAUKO, Mt. PROVince. GUEDAY BHS, BESAO, MT. PROVINCE BELONG-MANUBAL BHS, TINGLAYAN, KALINGA MALLANGO BHS, TINGLAYAN, KALINGA PASIL RHU, KALINGA TANGLAG BHS, LUBUAGAN, KALINGA MANKAYAN RHU, BEnguet DENNIS MOLINTAS DH, BOKOD, BEnguET Atok district Hospital, BEnguet BILA-SALISHET BHS, BOKOD, BENGUET ANSANGAN BHS, TUBA, BEnguet Alinaya BHS, PIDIGAN, ABRA PIDIPID BHS, ABRA PIDIGAN RHU, ABRA VILLAVICIOSA MCH, ABRA

24 BGHMC Compound, Baguio City 2600 Tel. /Fax Nos. (074) 442-8097 to 98 TRUNK LINE #s: (074) 442-8096, 443-4858, 443-4859, 442-7591 Website: www.caro.doh.gov.ph Facebook Page: Department of Health - Cordillera Twitter: @dohchdcar Republic of the Philippines DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CENTER FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT Cordillera Administrative Region