Oroquieta, Misamis Occidental — The Department of Health-Northern Mindanao (DoH-10) expressed gratitude and recognition for the unwavering commitment and sacrifices made by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 health crisis in a culminating event titled “2023 HRH KAMUSTAHAN SA MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL.”
Held at MOPAC Grandstand, Oroquieta City, on November 28, the event, organized in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental through the Provincial Health Office, aimed to integrate stress management initiatives into the lives of health care professionals.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Geric O. Entia, MPH Development Management Officer, highlighted the significance of the annual activity. “Usa ni ka activity sa DOH para ma check nato kung kumusta na ang atoang health workers nga na assign dinhi sa Misamis Occidental,” he stated.
Dr. Entia acknowledged Governor Henry S. Oaminal’s full support to health workers in the province. “Kami sa DOH dako kaayo ang among pasalamat sa imong supporta ilabi na sa atong Human Resources for Health nga nag serbisyo dinhi sa atong probinsya. Salamat kaayo Gov ug Mabuhay ka Gov,” he added.
Governor Oaminal, represented by Vice Governor Rowena Gutierrez, stressed the need for health workers to strike a balance by integrating a Stress Management program for Health Care Workers. He recognized them as modern-day heroes, quoting Gutierrez as she read Oaminal’s message, “We have heard it many times during our battle with COVID-19 – that our modern-day heroes now primarily include health workers who risked their lives just to ensure that health services are delivered at the very crucial time of the pandemic.”
The event saw the participation of around 300 HRH, personnel, and staff in Misamis Occidental engaging in parlor games, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and a 400M relay. These activities are part of the 12S of stress management and sports fest, aiming to enhance the ability of healthcare professionals to cope with challenges at work. The National Health Work Support System oversees the deployment, redistribution, and retention of health workers in the province, focusing on providing better access to quality health services and improving health outcomes within communities. Human Resources for Health includes nurses, midwives, medical doctors to the barrio, and medical technologists.
Governor Oaminal expressed his commitment to the well-being of health workers, stating, “Kabahin sa atong pagkab-ot para ang mga Misamisnon Magpuyong Malinawon, Malambuon ug Malipayon – we need to ensure that those who serve in the frontlines are also well taken care of and are happy and mentally stable as they do their jobs.” (Misamis Occidental PIO)
