MAMBAJAO, Camiguin (PIA) — Emphasizing health efforts as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda, Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo delivered his State of the Municipality Address on July 5 as part of the 169th Mambajao Charter Day.
Addressing the pressing need for accessible healthcare, Romualdo announced an initiative to deliver three months’ worth of free maintenance medications for hypertension, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease directly to households in each barangay starting July 8. This is to ensure continuous treatment and management for residents, bolstering Mambajao’s commitment to health equity.
“To add, we have also intensified our campaign to keep smoke and vape-free Mambajao. We also scaled up our community-based drug rehabilitation program,” the mayor said.
In response to growing mental health needs, Romualdo announced revitalized efforts under Project Abag, which is short for “Kaabag” (partner), aimed at providing counseling services and psychological first aid. This, after noting 138 patients within the mental health spectrum that the local government is handling.
The initiative includes capacity building for barangay health workers (BHWs) to manage mental health helplines and support services, ensuring round-the-clock assistance for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Another significant achievement of the town is the PhilHealth accreditation of the municipal health office, enabling broader access to Konsultasyong Sulit Tama (Konsulta) Primary Care Benefit Package, Maternal and Child Care Packages, and tuberculosis directly-observed treatment, short-course services (TB-DOTS). These services include general consultations, maternal and child care, and advanced diagnostics and treatment, supported by partnerships with provincial and national health agencies.
Romualdo also expressed pride in the educational achievements of Mambajao’s youth, announcing ongoing scholarship opportunities in fields such as medicine, veterinary medicine, medical technology, dentistry, and agriculture.
“Gusto pud nako ipaabot sa tanan (I want you to know) that we are still accepting applications for scholarships in various fields. Karon naa ta’y bag-o nga (Now that we have a new) scholar in dentistry, and we are excited to have her here sa (in the) LGU in a few years,” he said.
Looking ahead, Romualdo pledged to continue advancing public health and education programs that align with national development goals. He also affirmed his commitment to enhancing barangay health leadership, boosting community resilience, and fostering a nurturing environment for all Mambajao residents. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
