Davao City was recognized for achieving a 100-percent primary vaccination coverage against COVID-19 for its target of 70 percent of its population during the Department of Health’s Harmonized Health Awards 2022 for the Davao Region, which was held at the Grand Regal Hotel on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
For this, Davao City, through the City Health Office, received a Php 150,000 cash prize.
Acting City Health Officer Dr. Ashley Lopez, in an interview with the City Information Office on Friday, said that only Davao City achieved the feat among local government units in the region.
“Under the COVID-19 response ang atong vaccination has reached 101 percent sa atong rollout and we have also reached the target for our A2, atong senior citizens, kadto dako kaayo nga achievement because we have received a cash award of Php 150,000 from the Department of Health. (Under the COVID-19 response, our vaccination has reached 101 percent and we have also reached our target for A2 or senior citizens. That is a really big achievement. We have received a cash award of Php 150,000 from the Department of Health.),” Lopez said.
Davao City also vaccinated 100 percent of the target population for senior citizens and achieved more than 30 percent of its target for the first booster.
“It will not be possible without the efforts of everyone. It is a collective effort coming from you, from the local government unit, sa atong health sectors, private partners and our citizens. Kung wala pud ang cooperation sa atoang kaigsoonang Dabawenyo dili pud nato ni ma achieve (It will not be possible without the efforts of everyone. It is a collective effort, coming from you, the local government unit, our health sectors, private partners, and our citizens. Without the cooperation of the Dabawenyos we would not have achieved this),” Lopez said.
Aside from the Covid-19 response, the city also received other awards for New Born Screening, Tuberculosis Control Program, Malaria Control Program, and Local Health Systems.
Two health facilities, the Bunawan and Toril-B District Health Centers, received awards for Newborn Screening. Davao City was also cited as the Top 2 Performing LGU for Tuberculosis Control Program. The declaration of Marilog and Paquibato as Malaria Free zones was also recognized under the Malaria Control program. Under the Local Health Systems, the CHO also received a citation for the development of the City Epidemiology Surveillance Disaster Unit (CESDRU)- also a first in the Davao Region.
Lopez said that such recognition inspires the CHO to do more and work more for the people, especially in uplifting their situation and health systems.
“isa ni sa makapakusog ug maka-inspire sa amoa para mutrabaho pa gyud mi. To be recognized is something nga makaboost sa atong morale labi na sa atoang health workers. (These (awards) give us strength and inspiration to work hard. To be recognized is something that really boosts our morale, especially the health workers),” Lopez said.
The conferment of awards by the DOH- Davao Center for Health and Development was done in the presence of Health Undersecretary Abdullah B. Dumama Jr., DOH Regional Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang, representatives from the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), health organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), government organizations involved in different health programs, and private stakeholders. CIO
