BALANGA CITY — The provincial government on Thursday launched here the “One Bataan Seal of Healthy Barangay” considered as the first in the country.
The program aimed to eradicate dengue, measles, maternal death, animal bite and illegal drugs in the province’s 11 towns and this city.
Gov. Albert Garcia explained it is an incentive- based award to barangays: “The program provides P50,000 monthly to barangays that can achieve zero cases on dengue, animal bite, maternal death and measles.”
In addition, the barangay should establish hypertension and diabetes club, eradicate illegal drugs, lower mortality count and join the province’s tree-planting activity, Garcia said.
He challenged 237 barangays in two districts together with local health officials and coordinators to win the award.
Village officials welcomed the program and said the people will benefit much for the initiative.
Benjamin Loyola, president of the Association of Barangay Chairmen in Samal town, said they will strive to show that they can do it.
“Ang project na ito ay kaya naman ng bawat barangay basta nagkakaisa ang barangay council at tumutulong ang mamamayan,” the Barangay Palili chairman said.
Maria Laxamana, health assistant secretary, lauded the program and hoped that other provinces will follow.
