Gov Oaminal 1st SOPA 'to boost health services in MisOcc'

Governor Henry Oaminal together with provincial board members and official dance the official song for MisOcc, Asenso Misamisnon Ako. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)

To improve the lives of Misamisnons, guided by his battle cry: Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon (Misamisnon to live peacefully, productively and joyfully), Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal in his first State of the Province Address (SOPA), November 2, shared that the health and welfare of his constituents is his most utmost priority.

"A healthy life leads to a happy and prosperous community, meanwhile, healthy communities result in a stronger local economy," he said.

The governor also shared that it is his aspiration to see the lives of Misamisnons be uplifted and public service is a platform to lead and serve the province.

In his first State of the Province Address (SOPA), Oaminal highlighted the accomplishments of the Asenso Misamis Occidental administration in the past 120 days, as well as the prospective directions of the province in the next three years.

“We seek to uplift the quality of life of Misamisnons mainly by promoting and investing in agriculture, fishery, and eco-cultural tourism programs as this is aligned to the regions strategic development agenda where Misamis Occidental belongs to development cluster two which is “agri-fishery and eco-cultural tourism," he said.

In tandem with this is the strengthening of social services through the provision of free and/or affordable health, education and other social services, he added.

“We have already provided a total of P11, 655,030.18 million financial support to 1,070 patients seeking medical examination, consultation, treatment and rehabilitation and those confined in government and private hospitals," the governor said.

Meanwhile, financial assistance was extended to families in crisis situations, worth P5.3 million to 750 beneficiaries.

For years, the provincial hospital has experienced problems in delivery of health services including lack of medical supplies, medical doctors among others.

“Right now, we have transformed Misamis Occidental Provincial Health (MOPH) into an enhanced and more service-oriented hospital where our constituents will feel the care and concern of the provincial government. Renovations were likewise being undertaken in our Calamba District Hospital, Jimenez Medicare Community Hospital, Tudela Municipal Hospital and Doña Maria D. Tan Memorial Hospital,” he added.

A groundbreaking was also done in October this year to start construction of the P1 Billion 500-bed capacity Asenso Misamis Occidental Medical Center which will be completed with state of the art medical equipment as a landmark for Misamis Occidental.

Further, the national government also provided medical funds to the province.

Gov. Oaminal said the province received P198 million worth of Malasakit and medical assistance funds from President Bongbong Marcos Jr. which will aid free hospitalization for Misamisnons.

As to COVID 19 vaccination, the province leaped from 72.99% to 88.67% for herd immunity and 73% for category A2 (senior citizen), as of October 8, 2022.

"In fact, the Department of Health has recognized our efforts because in Northern Mindanao, we have recorded the highest vaccination rate for the A2 category (senior citizens). Also worthy to note that there are 39 barangays that were able to reach 80% or more for 1st booster coverage as of this report," Oaminal said.

The last election brought the Oaminals a "tsunami" victory with his sons Sancho Fernando "Ando" F. Oaminal, who won as the 2nd District Representative of the province and Atty. Indy Oaminal, Mayor of Ozamiz City, but, alongside is a high expectation from the people.

"What have I done so far to the people of Misamis Occidental? I look back with pride. But also a challenge to all of us to effectively deliver our respective mandate."

Gov Oaminal said it has been a challenge. First is the need for hospital services, adequate hospital facilities, lack of medicines, medical supplies and doctors. Second is that the province has experienced the effects of Covid 19 pandemic, where many people have scarce food.

But, "We will be guided with the mantra: leadership with a direction," he said. (SMRNagtalon/PIA Misamis Occidental)

More dancing during Governor Henry Oaminal's 1st State of the Province Address, November 2, 2022, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. (SMRN/PIA Misamis Occidental)