THE Provincial Government of Zambales through the Provincial Health Office, in collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales, spearheaded the first-ever orientation on the Department of Health (DOH) and DILG Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2022-0001 titled “Policy Framework on Leadership and Governance for Health (LeadGov4Health) Towards a Functional Local Health Board.”

This was held on November 19, 2024, at the PhilHealth Building, Zone VI, Iba, Zambales.

This initiative is a significant step towards implementing Republic Act No. 11223, also known as the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act—which mandates the DOH and Local Government Units (LGUs) to establish a health care delivery system accessible to every Filipino. The JAO 2022-0001 serves as a guideline for empowering Local Health Boards (LHBs) to enhance their leadership and governance capacities.

The orientation was attended by members of the Provincial Health Board, including representatives from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs), who play a vital role in ensuring inclusive health care.

Dr. Noel C. Bueno, Provincial Health Officer, warmly welcomed the participants, emphasizing the importance of enhancing health governance at the local level to meet the UHC’s objectives

Paulin Johanne L. Reyes, OIC-Program Manager of DILG Zambales, facilitated an in-depth discussion on the JAO 2022-0001, focusing on its key provisions, policy framework, and operational guidelines. She also highlighted the functions of the LHB and their expanded roles under the UHC Act.

The orientation also covered other topics such as the 8-Point Action Agenda: Sa Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay Mahalaga, presented by Ivan Joseph Dilag, Health Governance Cluster Head of PHO, and the  Special Health Fund, an integral component of the UHC Act, which was explained by Chona A. Visca, Acting Chief Social Insurance Officer of Philhealth Zambales.

The activity underscores the commitment of the DILG and the Provincial Government of Zambales to strengthen the capacity of LHBs in fostering effective and inclusive health care systems for all Zambaleños. — Paulin Johanne L. Reyes