The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN), through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in partnership with Watsons PH and SM Foundation, conducted a medical mission for the Ilokano community at the Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena in Laoag City, yesterday.
According to Dr. Rogelio Balbag, Executive Director of Ilocos Norte’s Hospital Management Council, the event, titled “Alagang Pangkalusugan: Sa Watsons Ako,” aims to champion the health and wellness of the people of Ilocos Norte, especially those senior citizens and lesser fortunate individuals who need medical interventions.
Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc continues to partner with the private sector, such as Watsons PH, to improve the healthcare system of the province.
“Napakahalaga ang health ng ating [mga] kakailian as so we always say sa Provincial Government – a healthy populace is a productive populace – there’s no progress without health,” he remarked.
“Kaya naman we have to ensure na lahat ng kakailian po natin ay strong and healthy and today is one step forward to that direction,” Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc added.
Around 20 physicians from PHO, district hospitals, and municipal health offices volunteered at the medical mission.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Belle Pesayco, Watsons PH Regional Head for Operations, expressed her appreciation to the Marcos Family, saying:
“We would like to express our appreciation to Sen. Imee Marcos and, of course, the good Governor, Matthew Marcos Manotoc [because] with their cooperation and support [it] enabled us to bring the medical mission to you in the City of Laoag.”
More than 500 Ilokano patient-beneficiaries from different towns and cities of Ilocos Norte attended the medical mission and availed medical services, namely, consultation, treatment, and provision of medicines; hearing, eye, blood, and bone tests; hair analysis, mobile chest X-Ray, and other basic laboratory exams. (April Joyce Gonzales)
(Source: Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte)