Written by Joemarie Ituriaga
The commemoration of Sipat Day became more meaningful as the University of Baguio opened the doors of its Multi-level Parking and Centennial Hall to the ‘Handog ng Pangulo’ community caravans of the Department of Health (DOH). This collaborative initiative was designed to provide FREE comprehensive and essential health services to the public, leveraging the non-working holiday to maximize community participation. The event’s success underscored the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in addressing critical health needs within the Cordillera Administrative Region. Through the partnership of the University of Baguio, the Department of Health, and the City Health Office involving all the health district offices, the one-stop health caravan was a successful and impactful event, as it provided necessary health assessments closer to the public who needed them most.
Fueled by a passion for service, doctors, nurses, and other health professionals empowered individuals and families to make informed health decisions by promoting preventive health and raising awareness. Attendees responded with enthusiastic smiles throughout the event. The community health caravan offered a range of essential health services, including nutrition services, tuberculosis screening, HIV counseling and testing, cervical cancer screening and clinical breast examination, PhilPEN risk assessment, mental health screening services, family planning counseling and distribution of commodities, antenatal care (ANC) & postpartum care (PPC) counseling for pregnant women, immunization services, adolescent psychosocial triaging using rapid HEEADSSS self-assessment forms, oral health advocacy, road safety advocacy, and health promotion interventions. Games and prizes were also included to entertain the event’s participants.
Mr. Clark P. Dizon from the Department of Health stated that the event’s success was a result of the collaboration among various partners, including the City Health Office, different health districts, and the University of Baguio. He shared that the caravan’s main objective is to provide accessible healthcare services to all, especially indigenous and vulnerable populations. The initiative also highlighted services provided across different life stages, which is also known as the life-stage approach.
By providing and promoting accessible healthcare services, the University of Baguio is ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being and community health initiatives across all ages and genders. The availability of services, from maternal health to mental health services, reflects a holistic approach to community health and well-being, which aligns directly with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The combined resources, manpower, and expertise demonstrated how an effective partnership can be impactful and sustainable, benefiting not only the public but also the university community. This collaboration highlights the university’s commitment to both academic excellence and community service, serving as a powerful example of Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
