"Healthy employees, better public service": Balbalan workers get health boost as Mayor Malannag prioritizes wellness

BALBALAN, Kalinga – Believing that healthy public servants are key to delivering quality government services, Balbalan Mayor Almar Malannag continues to prioritize employee wellness through regular health programs aimed at keeping government workers fit and productive.

On August 5, employees of the Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and personnel from various national government agencies underwent basic health screening during the Purok Kalusugan Hypertension Awareness Program held at the Municipal Hall.

The activity, initiated and funded by the Department of Health Cordillera, sought to promote employee wellness, improve workplace productivity, and strengthen institutional health protection.

One of the program's highlights was the conduct of blood chemistry tests, including random blood sugar, uric acid, and cholesterol screening, to help detect health conditions early and prevent serious complications. Health experts said early diagnosis allows timely treatment, reduces healthcare costs, and improves overall well-being.

The event also featured a Zumba competition, encouraging government employees to adopt active lifestyles and develop healthy habits beyond the workplace.

In his message, Mayor Malannag emphasized that investing in the health of government employees is also an investment in better public service.

"Daytoy nga event ket mangipakita nga iti LGU Balbalan, through dagitoy health personnel tayo iti MHO, concern da kadagiti empleyado tayo. Maymayat nga regular tayo nga ag-undergo kadagitoy basic blood tests tapno ma-preventaran wenno ma-detect a dagus dagiti diseases," he said.

The mayor stressed that regular health screening is an important preventive measure that helps ensure employees remain physically fit to perform their duties effectively.

He also reminded government workers that maintaining good health benefits not only themselves and their families but also the people they serve.

"Agpaysu talaga nga health is wealth. Nu mabaybay-an ti salun-at, dakdakkel ti gasto. Ken nu haan tayo napigsa, haan tayo maideliver ti usto a serbisyo nga kasapulan dagiti constituents tayo ditoy Balbalan," Malannag said.

Through initiatives like the Purok Kalusugan Hypertension Awareness Program, the Municipal Government of Balbalan continues to demonstrate that promoting employee health is an essential part of responsive governance. By investing in the well-being of its workforce, the local government aims to build a healthier, more productive public service that can better meet the needs of every Balbalan resident.