Negros Occidental LGUs Sign MOA to Enhance Inter-Local Health Zone
Negros Occidental, Philippines – In a significant step to improve healthcare delivery, five local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental have formally agreed to bolster their inter-local health zone (ILHZ). The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed on Monday, marking a collaborative effort to implement the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act effectively.
According to Philippines News Agency, the cities of Talisay, Silay, and Victorias, along with the municipalities of E.B. Magalona and Murcia, have joined forces to enhance healthcare services in the province’s third district. Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez emphasized that this inter-LGU cooperation transcends mere compliance with the UHC Act, focusing instead on a partnership to address local health issues.
The signing ceremony, held at Maria Kucina Familia restaurant, was attended by Mayors Joedith Gallego of Silay City, Victor Gerardo Rojas of Murcia, Nilo Jesus Antonio Lizares III of Talisay City, and Marvin Malacon of E. B. Magalona. Assistant City Administrator Ismael Penado and Edgardo Agravante Jr. represented the latter two mayors, respectively.
The agreement acknowledges that the UHC Act aims to reduce health system fragmentation and reorient the health system towards primary care strengthening by integrating local health systems. This integration strategy involves LGUs sharing responsibility for organizing, managing, delivering, and financing collective resources.
The cooperation is designed to ensure the accessibility of essential quality health products and services at the appropriate care level. It also aims to strengthen the LGU leadership and management capacities in organizing and implementing integrated management support systems. Additionally, the agreement includes providing policy directions and technical support to community groups for planning and implementing health programs and services.
Adrian Hort Ramos, development management officer IV of the Department of Health-Western Visayas, stated that the UHC Act is currently at the functionality level for all identified implementation sites in provinces and cities. He highlighted that the ILHZ will later share resources, making service delivery more people-centered.
Ramos also mentioned that in Negros Occidental, the Provincial Health Board has agreed to establish a sub-provincial health system. This system will group the six congressional districts into three systems to create a robust health provider network.