More Doctors for Remote Areas: SP Kalinga approves MOA to boosts healthcare in marginalized communities

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Healthcare services in marginalized communities in Kalinga are expected to further improve after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan unanimously approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) allowing the deployment of trained physicians to local government units across the province.

The MOA, earlier submitted by Governor James S. Edduba, was initially reviewed by the Committee on Health and Sanitation, chaired by Board Member Alfredo Dangani.

Based on the committee report obtained by Guru Press Cordillera, the initiative will be implemented through a partnership between the Department of Health – Center for Health Development Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR-CHD), under the leadership of Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan, and the Provincial Government of Kalinga.

The partnership aims to deploy highly skilled physicians to priority or underserved areas in the province.

These medical professionals are graduates of the Residency Training Program (RTP), having completed a specialized, multi-year training program (typically three to five years) in DOH-accredited teaching or specialty hospitals in the country.

For legal compliance, the committee noted that the MOA aligns with existing policies, including Administrative Order No. 2021-0068 and Department Memorandum Order No. 2021-0548, which mandate the integration of residency graduates into the public health system.

With these findings, the committee endorsed the MOA for final approval by the Provincial Board, which was subsequently approved during its session on Tuesday, March 17, at the Legislative Building in Bulanao, Tabuk City.

Following the approval, Governor Edduba is now authorized to sign the MOA on behalf of the provincial government. Implementation will commence once the agreement is formally signed by all involved parties.

The March 17 session was presided over by Board Member Camilo Lammawin Jr., as Vice Governor Dave Odiem attended an interview with representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development – Cordillera Administrative Region (DEPDev-CAR) for an ongoing initiative.

Other board members present during the session were Emilio Kitongan, Christopher Donaal, Roger Saga-oc, Romeo Saclag, Jay Harley Duguiang, Julius Amla, Jerome Chester Alunday, Alfredo K. Dangani, and IPMR Michael Karel Sugguiyao.