TACLOBAN CITY– Health care is now more accessible to the far-reaching communities in San Miguel, a fourth-class municipality in Leyte, as its local government formally launched the San Miguel Municipal Hospital on Monday, September 16.
Atty. Norman D. Sabdao, the municipal mayor of San Miguel, said that the opening of the hospital in Barangay Bairan will serve patients from the town’s 21 barangays.
“This is the result of our shared vision to have a facility that ensures San Miguel residents receive proper care for their medical concerns,” Mayor Sabdao said.
The new hospital has two doctors, six nurses, six midwives, and 10 other health personnel. Pending the procurement of additional equipment, the hospital will utilize the existing facilities of the municipal health unit.
According to Mayor Sabdao, the construction of the hospital began in March 2022 with an initial funding of P5 million from the Development Fund of the LGU. An additional P7 million was allocated in March 2023, and another P8 million in March 2024.
Sabdao noted that with the opening of the new hospital, patients and their families can save money and travel time when they need urgent medical attention, as the public hospital is now within their reach.
San Miguel is an inland municipality located about 40 kilometers from Tacloban City and is home to approximately 20,000 residents.
The mayor added that the hospital will receive an initial medical assistance worth P10 million from Leyte’s first district Representative and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez.
Meanwhile, Gavino Valleramos, Bairan village chairman, extended his deepest thanks to the LGU of San Miguel and said that with this hospital, they no longer need to transport patients outside the town.
Instead, the funds previously used for transportation can now be spent on essential medicines, the barangay official added.
Barangay Santol Punong Barangay Roselda A. Elbore expressed her happiness, stating that the community has been eagerly awaiting the hospital’s opening. She considers it a blessing, especially for the poorer residents of San Miguel.
The San Miguel Municipal Hospital is classified by the Department of Health (DOH) as an infirmary. It has a total bed capacity of 15 and offers outpatient services such as medical consultation, pediatric consultation, obstetrics and gynecology consultation, surgical consultation, pharmacy services, and laboratory services.
Other services provided include minor surgical procedures, dental health services, TB DOTS services, family planning services, maternal and child health care, environmental sanitation, health regulatory activities, medico-legal services, and other DOH special programs.
Dr. Patrick Nanz O. Buatis, Municipal Health Officer of San Miguel, stated that the opening of the local hospital would ensure the delivery of effective and efficient medical and support services, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
He emphasized that the new facility would not only provide timely medical interventions but also improve access to healthcare for the local community, reduce the need for travel to distant facilities, and support overall public health efforts in San Miguel town.
Meanwhile, Marilyn G. Chua, a resident of Brgy. Malaguinabot, said she will be at peace since the new hospital is just a few minutes away from her residence.
“Makalilipay kay hirani na kami. Aagi-an nala namon. Usahay kun waray kami iparasahe, madali nala pag-kanhi ha hospital kun mapatambal (It’s really nice because it’s close to us now. We won’t have to worry about transportation costs when we go to the hospital for treatment),” Chua said. (RLA/PIA-8)
Winning the Art of Effective Communication
Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in personal relationships, professional settings, and everyday interactions. Mastering the art of communication empowers individuals to convey ideas clearly, build strong connections, and resolve conflicts with ease. In this 500-word article, we will delve into strategies and techniques to communicate effectively and enhance one’s ability to express thoughts, emotions, and intentions with clarity and impact.
1. Active Listening: Engaging in active listening is a key component of successful communication. To truly understand others and respond thoughtfully, one must listen attentively, show genuine interest, and provide feedback. Active listening includes sustaining eye contact, nodding to indicate comprehension, and posing clarifying inquiries.
By practicing active listening, individuals can foster deeper connections, build trust, and ensure that messages are accurately received and interpreted.
2. Clear and Concise Messaging: Communicating thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely is essential for effective communication. Communicating in plain language, steering clear of technical terms, and organizing messages logically can enhance the effectiveness of information delivery. Being mindful of the recipient’s knowledge and adjusting the message accordingly ensures that communication is easily understood and leaves no room for misinterpretation.
3. Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal signals, like body language, facial expressions, and vocal tone, have a substantial impact on communication.. Aligning nonverbal signals with verbal messages enhances the clarity and impact of communication. Maintaining open body posture, smiling, and using appropriate gestures can convey warmth, sincerity, and engagement. Being aware of nonverbal cues and ensuring they are in harmony with spoken words can strengthen the overall message being communicated.
4. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and emotional intelligence are vital components of effective communication. Understanding others’ emotions, perspectives, and needs allows individuals to communicate with empathy and sensitivity. Acknowledging emotions, validating feelings, and showing compassion create a supportive and understanding communication environment. By cultivating empathy and emotional intelligence, individuals can build rapport, resolve conflicts, and foster positive relationships through effective communication.
5. Feedback and Constructive Criticism: Providing feedback and constructive criticism in a respectful and constructive manner is crucial for effective communication. Offering specific, actionable feedback, focusing on behaviors rather than personalities, and highlighting strengths alongside areas for improvement can help individuals grow and develop. Receiving feedback gracefully, listening attentively, and incorporating constructive criticism into personal growth strategies enhance communication skills and promote continuous improvement.
6. Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable and flexible in communication is essential for navigating diverse situations and interacting with a variety of personalities. Adjusting communication styles, tone, and approaches based on the context, audience, and goals ensures that messages are received effectively. Adapting to different communication preferences, actively listening to feedback, and being open to new ideas and perspectives facilitate smooth and productive interactions.
7. Conflict Resolution and Active Problem-Solving: Effective communication is instrumental in resolving conflicts and addressing challenges constructively. Using active problem-solving techniques, such as identifying issues, exploring solutions collaboratively, and seeking common ground, can lead to successful conflict resolution. Maintaining open communication channels, addressing concerns directly, and seeking mutually beneficial outcomes promote harmonious relationships and effective communication in challenging situations.
In conclusion, effective communication is a multifaceted skill that requires active listening, clear messaging, nonverbal awareness, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. By honing these communication strategies and techniques, individuals can enhance their interpersonal relationships, professional interactions, and overall communication effectiveness. Cultivating effective communication skills empowers individuals to express themselves authentically, connect with others meaningfully, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity.
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