New PHO head told to implement health programs in local level

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday said that he directed newly designated Provincial Health Office (PHO) chief, Dr. Girlie Pinongan, to see to it that the different health programs of the provincial government are implemented at the local level.

“We would like to make our constituents feel that the provincial government is here to help with their needs. Not necessarily that the provincial government will take care of everything but encourage all city and municipal health offices and units to truly function,” Lacson said.

While some health concerns like COVID-19 are improving, problems like dengue continue to burden public health.

“Why do we experience a very high rate of dengue when year in and year out that’s a recurrence, that is we should not be contented with the way we service our constituents, that is why every year we encourage everyone, also the LGUs to improve their health services,” he added.

“I do not say that we are perfect, I will not say that we have the best health services all over the country, it’s a challenging task so we have to continue improving. We just want to make sure that our constituents can count on the provincial government for needed health services,” Lacson pointed out.

Earlier, Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz said Pinongan has been designated as officer-in-charge of PHO, as outgoing PHO head Dr. Ernell Tumimbang prepares for his retirement in June 2023.

Pinongan is the chief of the Capitol Hospital Operations Department prior to her appointment as PHO head.

In Office Order No. 03-21-0154, series of 2023, Lacson said the designation of Pinongan as PHO officer in charge was in response to the letter of Dr. Tumimbang, who requested for a transition team to be oriented on the different programs and health activities of the PHO.

While Dr. Tumimbang processes documents for retirement, Lacson said the outgoing PHO head offered his availability should his assistance be needed.

The order of Lacson issued to Dr. Pinongan takes effect on April 3 this year.

Prior to her designation as HOD chief and officer in charge of PHO, Pinongan used to be the chief of Cadiz District Hospital and Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City.