SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region extended essential healthcare services to residents of Pugo, La Union, through its PuroKalusugan program on September 27.
Organized in collaboration with Senator Loren Legarda’s office, the initiative aimed to deliver primary care to underserved communities in Pugo and showcase the DOH’s commitment to improving public health standards in the region.
Over 1,500 Pugo residents benefited from the program, availing themselves of various medical services such as laboratory tests, consultations, vaccinations, dental care, ECG, X-ray, ultrasound, and free medicines.
Additionally, wheelchairs were distributed to those in need.
DOH Ilocos Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco emphasized the program’s continuity, highlighting its intention to reach communities in other provinces and provide accessible healthcare to those unable to visit health facilities for regular checkups and treatments.
“We bring primary care packages that address people’s health needs, including nutrition services, immunization, oral health, family planning, and screenings for tuberculosis, HIV, Philippine Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (PhilPEN) health risks, and cervical and breast cancer. We also offer free drugs and maintenance medications,” Sydiongco explained.
“Our people’s dedication to their health is evident in their participation in our program despite the inclement weather,” Sydiongco added, observing the turnout amidst the typhoon and heavy rain.
The successful PuroKalusugan program in Pugo was made possible through partnerships with the Provincial Government of La Union, the Provincial Health Office of La Union, and Ilocos Training and Medical Center, which provided the necessary medical services.
Raymon Flores, a grateful resident, expressed his appreciation for the program, stating, “This is a significant step towards improving our community’s health. We wholeheartedly support your efforts.”
A similar PuroKalusugan activity was conducted in Malasiqui, Pangasinan, on September 30, with a total budget of P6 million allocated for both municipalities. (PIA Region 1)
