KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato – The Province of South Cotabato has reached a significant milestone in the implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program, achieving 95 percent completion as of August, according to Kharen Diezon, Provincial UHC Program Coordinator.
The province was recently recognized for attaining at least 70 percent of the Level 3 Local Health Systems Maturity Level Key Result Areas, a benchmark that reflects progress in strengthening its local health systems. The maturity level is measured through six essential building blocks—leadership and governance, financing, health workforce, medical products and technology, service delivery, and health information.
Diezon said the achievement underscores the province’s dedication to improving health access and outcomes for all residents.
“We are trying to improve our communities so that we can complete the UHC implementation,” she said.
The goal of the Universal Health Care program is better health outcomes and a health system that is responsive to the needs of our people, she stressed.
She added that the implementation of UHC encourages health-seeking behavior, even among individuals who are not sick, to promote disease prevention and strengthen public health awareness.
“Even if you are well, we encourage regular check-ups and preventive health measures. This way, we can improve our health system and increase health literacy among our people,” Diezon explained.
With the UHC program nearing full realization, South Cotabato continues to position itself as a model province for equitable and accessible health care services in Region 12.
