DOH-LA UNION, PGLU CONDUCT DEEP DIVE ACTIVITY IN SAN GABRIEL, LA UNION

March 18, 2023 Provincial

Department of Health – Ilocos Region and Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of La Union conducted a “deep dive” activity in one of the barangays of San Gabriel, listed as one of the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas (GIDAs) in the province of La Union. The activity helps local chief executives (LCEs) correct leadership blind spots (such as failure to recognize a particular public health problem), develop a more profound sense of ownership regarding the issue
at hand, and enhance their personal vision for the health of their locale.

“Ang ating mga LCEs o local chief executives ay occupied sa maraming aspeto ng local government at kadalasan ay limitado ang kanilang health background, kasama na dito ang understanding ng health inequities sa isang probinsiya o syudad,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated.
“Sa pamamagitan ng deep dive activity, nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataong magkaroon ng face to face at active conversation sa mga tao sa isang barangay o komunidad.

The LCE can have a personal vision for the health of the province, its health inequalities and develops a more profound sense of ownership toward the public health issue encountered.” During the activity, the governor had the chance to assessed and oversee the health status of the community as well as the people. The PLGU of La Union selected the family of Arnold Albacio to be interviewed and who have gone through a difficult health situation during the pregnancy of his wife, Mylene Albacio, who died days after her cesarean section operation.

Albacio narrated the difficulties he experienced, his difficult journey to and from the nearest health facility to accompany his wife for her routine health check-ups due to of lack of transportation and
health service in their area. Governor Ortega-David admitted that after the dialogue with the family and conducting the deep dive activity, she was overwhelmed with empathy and compassion. “It truly is humbling and eye opening – all the more reasons why I am committed to bringing the services of the government to the people.”

“We have a lot more to do to improve our health systems to make the lives of other people better and safer.” She assured residents that her government will endeavor to establish a Barangay Health Station in Brgy Bayabas and improve the current road system going to the community. A deep dive activity is deemed effective in providing immediate results to unresolved health concerns in a
certain area.

Glen Ramos-CMU/DOH-Ilocos Region