KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Region 12 has stepped up its campaign to achieve a healthy Soccsksargen region and healthy Pilipinas by focusing on health promotion, an effective tool in addressing public health challenges.

Arjohn Gangoso, health education and promotion officer of the DOH-CHD 12, told the Philippine Information Agency that they have been focusing on health promotion to provide the public with the information they need.

“Ang direksyon po natin ngayon under the Universal Health Care (UHC) ay ma-strengthen natin ang health promotion. Malaking parte sa ating kalusugan ang pagkakaroon ng sapat na kaalaman [Our direction now under Universal Health Care is to strengthen health promotion. Having enough knowledge is a big part of our health],” Gangoso said.

Citing the World Health Organization, Gangoso defined health promotion as “the process of enabling people to increase control over and improve their health” by advancing health literacy.

He said that there are seven priority areas under the DOH health promotion program that must be achieved before it can proceed further to making healthy behavior an easier choice for everyone.

The seven priority areas include diet and exercise, environmental health, vaccination, substance use, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and safety and inclusivity.

“All of these seven priority areas mai-implement natin ito [we can implement it] for all walks of life, from the womb to older adults,” Gangoso said, adding that they can only attain their goal of a healthy region and Healthy Pilipinas with the implementation of each area through health promotion done consistently.

He also pointed out that the success of the implementation of programs complementing the seven priority areas rests on the collaboration of all stakeholders, particularly the local government units (LGU).

Gangoso also disclosed that DOH has grants for health promotion downloaded to local government units to aid in the implementation of health promotion activities.

According to him, LGUs that are implementing Universal Health Care, namely the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat, will receive P2 million, while the non-implementing LGUs, which are Cotabato Province and General Santos City, will receive P1 million.

Meanwhile, Gangoso urged everyone to get involved in the programs of the DOH since the goal of a healthy region and Healthy Pilipinas is everyone’s concern.

“If you want to have a Healthy Pilipinas, if you want to have a healthy SOCCSKSARGEN, kailangan po talaga natin ng tulong ng bawat isa, ng bawat community, ng bawat indibidwal. Magtulungan po tayo [We really need the help of one another, of each community, and of each individual. Let's work together,” he urged people in an interview with the PIA’s “Talakayang Dose” aired every Friday over Radyo ng Pilipinas-affiliated DXVL based at the University of Southern Mindanao, Kabacan, Cotabato.

Gangoso also reminded the public to always validate the information they get, as this may affect their decision-making, emphasizing the importance of double-checking their sources of information before sharing it.

DOH-CHD Soccsksargen Director Aristides Concepcion Tan also highlighted the support of every sector in the implementation of UHC for the advancement of healthy Pilipinas.

“We really seek your support in ensuring that we can provide quality health services,” Tan urged all stakeholders during the 2023 Pugay Pangkalusugan Regional Awards held recently.

For January, the department has kicked off various activities in line with the commemoration of health events, which include National Deworming Month, Schistosomiasis Awareness and Mass Drug Administration Month, and Liver Cancer and Viral Hepatitis Prevention Month.

DOH will also mark the observance of Autism Consciousness Week, Goiter Awareness Week, and World Leprosy Day this month. (SJDM – PIA Region 12)