South Cotabato, Philippines — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. led the meeting of the Universal Health Care–Provincial Health Board (UHC-PHB), reaffirming the Provincial Government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and ensuring that quality, accessible, and equitable health services remain available to every South Cotabateño.
Among the key agenda discussed during the meeting was the proposed resolution to temporarily defer the implementation of the required local government unit (LGU) contributions under Provincial Ordinance No. 61, Series of 2021, otherwise known as the South Cotabato Local Health System Ordinance.
The proposal seeks to allow further review and consultation on the implementation of the mandatory LGU counterpart contributions while ensuring the continued delivery of essential health services and the effective implementation of the province’s Universal Health Care initiatives.
Governor Tamayo emphasized the importance of sustaining collaborative efforts among the Provincial Government, component LGUs, and health stakeholders to strengthen the province-wide health system and improve healthcare services for all South Cotabateños.
It also aims to ensure the timely utilization of the Special Health Fund and PhilHealth resources to further enhance the province’s Free Hospitalization Program.
Moreover, Governor Tamayo directed all Municipal and City Health Officers, in coordination with their respective Rural Health Units, to intensify community-based healthcare services by maximizing the deployment of Barangay Health Workers and Provincial Family Health Navigators funded by the Provincial Government.
The initiative aims to ensure that essential medical services reach families and individuals who need them most.
“Healthcare services should never have to wait, and neither should the people,” Governor Tamayo said, underscoring the Provincial Government’s commitment to making healthcare more responsive and accessible to every South Cotabateño.
The UHC-Provincial Health Board meeting reflects the Provincial Government’s continuing efforts to strengthen the implementation of Universal Health Care through improved coordination, strategic use of health funds, and expanded community-based health services.
