Just hours after receiving the Seal of Good Local Governance, the Navotas City government again garnered trophies and cash prizes for its exemplary public health programs.
During the Department of Health-National Capital Region the Gabi ng Parangal, the city bagged the awards for Best in Oral Health Program, Best in Tuberculosis Control Program, and Best in Lifestyle-Related Diseases Prevention and Control Program.
The city received P300,000 per award or P900,000 in total, which will be used as additional funding for the same health services.
“We are honored to receive recognition for our health programs. Awards, however, are only secondary to our ultimate goal of providing the best service we could give to our constituents,” Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
“We are glad that our public health programs have been proven effective. Yet, we also recognize that we need to constantly improve our services to ensure the well-being of our people,” he added.
Navotas achieved 69 percent out of the 100-percent national target for the number of orally fit children 12 to 71 months old, the highest among local government units in Metro Manila. The city used the dental bus donated by the DOH to entice young Navoteños to have their teeth checked and treated.
The city also partnered with the Department of Education-Navotas, daycare centers, and private organizations such as Colgate-Palmolive Inc. and Save the Children to reach its targets on oral health care.
For TB control, Navotas had a 94 percent case detection rate in 2018, 2 percent higher than the national target of 92 percent. Its 91-percent treatment success rate also exceeded the national target by one percent.
Earlier this year, Tiangco and other city officials committed to intensify the search, treatment, and care for residents with tuberculosis.
“TB is contagious but curable. We will exert all efforts to ensure the sick are treated and cured, and those vulnerable, including children and the elderly, are protected from it,” the mayor said.
Navotas was also cited for its programs that promote a healthy way of life. The city regularly conducts health risk assessments, medical caravans, zumba activities, eye health promotions, and cancer awareness fun runs.
The city also established health clubs for residents with hypertension and diabetes and provided free vaccinations to senior citizens and assistive devices to persons with disabilities.
In 2018, the city revised its ordinance on tobacco control, making implementation stricter and penalties severe. This year, it launched its Women and Children Protection Unit at the Navotas City Hospital.
Navotas also scored perfect in the 2018 Anti-Drug Abuse Council Performance Audit for Highly Urbanized Cities. Constant case findings, screenings, and Bidahan seminars led the city to receive an “Ideal” rating from the Department of the Interior and Local Government.