DILG Sec. Robredo inspects the newly acquired ambulance of the Balibago Social Hygiene Clinic. Joining him are Balibago Barangay Captain Mamac and CDC President Remollo.
Photo by Joey Aguilar
ANGELES CITY – Now, there is no reason for more than 14,000 entertainers working in bars and laser karaokes in this city not to undergo smear test (gram staining).
With its 6-bed capacity manned by medical technologists and nurses, the first barangay-based social hygiene clinic (SHC) in the Philippines could accommodate at least 12,000 to 15,000 patients. It started operating yesterday in Barangay Balibago, here.
In an interview, Barangay Captain Rodelio Mamac said they built a second SHC to complement the operation of the first SHC, now known as the Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC).
“This is also part of our support to our President [Noynoy Aqiuino] on the attainment of Millennium Development Goal No. 6 which is to combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases,” he said.
Mamac and Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo on Monday led the inauguration of the P3.6-million Balibago SHC. Clark Development Corp. President Felipe Antonio Remollo, Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting and other city councilors also attended the event.
Mamac, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines and the League of Angeles City Entertainers and Managers (LACEM) also signed a memorandum of understanding complementing each other’s role in the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other STDs.
Cabigting said those who cannot be accommodated for smear tests at the RHWC can now avail the services of the Balibago SHC.
It was learned that the city’s RHWC could only accommodate an average of 4,000 to 5,000 entertainers per week.
“We support this project as it will be a good partner of the RHWC to accommodate all the 14,000 entertainers, guest relations officers and other employees working in various entertainment establishments that undergo smear tests every week,” Cabigting said.
The Balibago SHC will charge P70 fee for patients who will undergo smear testing.
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Robredo lauded Mamac for showing that the barangay could take the initiative to work hand-in-hand with the city and the national government.
“At yung pagnanais ni Kapitan Mamac na harapin niya at bigyan ng lunas yung problema ay isang malaking bahagi sa ating pagsusumikap na yung kalusugan hindi lamang yung mga bagay na ordinaryo. Yung kalusugan po para sa lahat,” he said.
He also said that the establishment of the Balibago SHC is one way of identifying the root cause of huge problems in the society which is also a key in solving them.
Other government officials who graced the event include DILG Central Luzon Director Florida Dijan and City Health Officer Lenario Santos.
