TACLOBAN CITY – Borongan City has formally joined the Joint Inter-local Health Zone (ILHZ), with Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda pledging stronger collaboration and increased financial support to improve healthcare delivery and strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care program in Eastern Samar.
Agda made the commitment during the Joint Inter-local Health Zone (ILHZ) Board and Technical Management Committee meeting on Aug. 6 at the Stellar Hotel here, where local chief executives and health officials discussed the implementation of the updated ILHZ framework.
Agda also recommended measures to further strengthen the inter-local health system, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration among local government units (LGUs) and sustained investments in provincial health programs.
During the meeting, member LGUs discussed their proposed contributions to the ILHZ fund under a draft memorandum of agreement (MOA) presented by Provincial Health Office Management Support Unit head and Accountant Ronnie Agus.
Under the proposal, Borongan City is expected to provide the largest contribution among the participating local governments, excluding the Provincial Government of Eastern Samar.
The city’s share will come from its National Tax Allocation (NTA), equivalent to 30 percent of the 0.2-percent allocation designated for the ILHZ fund.
The agreement also covers the municipalities of Oras, Taft, Balangiga, and Guiuan.
Agda was elected chairperson of the Borongan ILHZ, while Dr. Jessica Sabalberino, chief of the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital, was elected vice chairperson. The Borongan ILHZ operates under the Provincial Health Board chaired by Governor Ralph Vincent Evardone.
Agda reiterated Borongan City’s commitment to improving access to quality healthcare services and ensuring adequate support and benefits for healthcare workers.
He also highlighted the city’s ongoing health initiatives, including the ‘Libre Medisina’ program, medical assistance for indigent residents, and medical caravans that bring healthcare services to remote barangays.
Participants also recognized Borongan City’s achievements during last month’s Universal Health Care Summit, citing the awards as proof of the city’s commitment to effective public health governance and quality healthcare delivery.
The Inter-local Health Zone is a key component of the Universal Health Care Act, promoting collaboration among neighboring local government units to improve access to quality, equitable, and integrated healthcare services through shared resources and coordinated health programs.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
