DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — At least 700 residents from Purok Insider, Islander, Kamanggaan, and Babasit in this city received free nutrition and health-related services during the launch of the Department of Health’s (DOH) “Purokalusugan” project on Wednesday, July 31, at the East Central Integrated School in Barangay Mayombo.
Dagupan City was the first area in the Ilocos Region where the DOH Center for Health Development 1 (CHD 1) launched this project.
Dr. Paula Paz Syndioco, regional director of DOH CHD 1, said that Purokalusugan is a new initiative by the DOH designed to bring the agency’s programs directly to the grassroots level.
“Dapat ma-immunize ang kabataan upang hindi maging bansot, mapanatiling maayos ang nutrisyon, at maiwasan ang pagkamatay mula sa tuberculosis (TB). Kasama rin sa mga layunin ng proyekto ang pagtugon sa mga sakit tulad ng high blood pressure, diabetes, at cancer,” Syndioco stated.
(Children should be immunized to prevent stunting, ensure proper nutrition, and avoid deaths from tuberculosis. The project also aims to address issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.)
“Hindi lamang mga sakit ang tinutugunan nito. Mayroon ding mga programang nakatuon sa road safety upang maiwasan ang mga aksidente sa daan, at sanitation upang matiyak na malinis ang tubig na ginagamit ng mga tao,” she added.
(In addition to health concerns, the program includes road safety measures to prevent accidents and sanitation efforts to ensure clean water for the community.)
Syndioco said that, in line with Nutrition Month, they selected the area in Dagupan City with the most significant nutrition challenges, as suggested by City Mayor Belen Fernandez.
“Wadya itayo lapud labay ya iter na DOH tan say city health office so amin ya [healthcare services] ed sikatayon amin,” Fernandez said, expressing her gratitude to the DOH-CHD 1.
(We are here because the DOH and the city health office want to provide all healthcare services to all of us.)
The launch of the Purokalusugan project offered free nutrition support, immunization, dental care, reproductive and maternal health services, TB screening, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, the Philippine Package of Essential Noncommunicable Disease Interventions (PhilPEN), cancer screening, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Information, Education, and Communication (WASH IEC) programs.
Cristina Aquino, a 70-year-old resident of Barangay Mayombo, who underwent HIV testing, expressed her gratitude for the DOH’s program.
“Nagpatest ako sa HIV upang tiyakin ang aking kalusugan at magkaroon ng kaalaman tungkol sa aking status at makuha ang kinakailangang suporta at paggamot kung kinakailangan. Maraming-maraming salamat sa DOH sa kanilang serbisyo-publiko na ginagawa,” she said.
(I got tested for HIV to ensure my health, gain knowledge about my status, and obtain the necessary support and treatment if needed. Many thanks to the DOH for their public service.)
Teresita Narvas, 74 years old from Barangay Mayombo, received free medicines and vitamins for her health conditions.
“Mayroon akong gout at mahihiluin, kaya masayang-masaya ako dahil may libreng gamot at bitamina na ibinigay sa amin,” she expressed.
(I have gout and I am prone to dizziness, so I am very happy because I was given free medication and vitamins.)
Syndioco explained that the celebration of Purokalusugan depends on the DOH’s calendar of activities.
She said the next Purokalusugan in Pangasinan is scheduled for August 25 in the town of Bayambang. (MJTAB/JCDR/PIA Pangasinan)
