More than 8,000 indigents in far-flung and depressed areas of Davao del Norte have benefited from the health and social services provided by the provincial government, in coordination with the army and the police.
During the sixth stop of the Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development initiative on October 21, 2011 in Patrocenio, New Corella town, frontline personnel of the province once more brought essential government services right at the center of the needy community.
Thousands flocked to the Barangay Site of the mountainous village, more than 40 kilometers from the capital City of Tagum , in order to avail of free health and social services.
Recipients of the program also include residents from the neighboring barangays of Sta. Fe, San Jose , Mambing, and El Salvador , all in the municipality of New Corella .
Through the convergence initiative, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte directly brought essential government services to the disadvantaged communities, with the help of the army’s 1003rd Infantry Brigade, the provincial police office, other government agencies and some private institutions.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Agapito Hornido bared the first five outreaches of the convergence program have served some 7,103 poor recipients in the component of health and social services alone.
Dr. Hornido said the free health services include medical consultation, dental services, minor surgery, urinalysis, blood typing, hemoglobin count, nutrition services/milk feeding, distribution of PhilHealth insurance cards, distribution of sanitary toilet bowls, malaria control program, mass blood survey, pregnancy package kit, leprosy control program.
Hundreds of recipients more have benefitted from the agriculture and veterinary services, vegetable seeds, seedlings, and, distribution of relief goods, toys, slippers and used clothing,
The program was launched on August 9, 2011 in the tribal barangay of Gupitan, Kapalong municipality. [Noel Baguio]
