ILOILO — Churches are being transformed into gateways for community healthcare.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas partnered with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to bring medical services closer to underserved residents.
The partnership was launched through the inaugural “SimbaKalusugan” activity on July 25 at the Parish of the Immaculate Conception and the Immaculate Conception Parochial School in Oton, Iloilo.
Implemented with the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care, SimbaKalusugan seeks to improve access to healthcare through local church communities while promoting the physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being of the faithful.
The initiative brings together government agencies, faith-based organizations, hospitals, healthcare professionals, volunteers and community members under a holistic approach to public health.
The inaugural activity included a medical and dental mission at the parochial school, where residents received free healthcare services.
Community leaders and participants also signed the SimbaKalusugan Commitment Wall, affirming their support for healthier communities founded on compassion, service and faith.
The event was supported by DOH regional director Dr. Mar Wynn Bello and attended by Rev. Fr. Dan Cancino, executive secretary of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Health Care; Rev. Fr. Joemarie Villalobos, head of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s Commission on Healthcare; Rev. Fr. Renato Cuadras, parish priest of the Parish of the Immaculate Conception; and Dr. Clodualdo Divinagracia, Development Management Officer IV of the Iloilo Provincial Department of Health Office.
Among the participating institutions were the Archdiocese of Jaro, Western Visayas Medical Center, Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital Iloilo and local health units.
Representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority Region 6, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. Region 6 and Oton Local Civil Registrar Office also joined healthcare workers, volunteers and parish organizations in conducting health promotion and public service activities.
DOH said the initiative demonstrates how partnerships between the health sector, churches and communities can help make healthcare more accessible and inclusive.
The Oton launch is expected to serve as a step toward establishing healthier and more resilient communities across Western Visayas./PN
