PB to hear DOH before letting Gwen sign MOA for program

CEBU, Philippines - Integrated Provincial Health Officer Cristina Giango is scheduled to appear before the Provincial Board today to discuss the implementation of the planned province-wide investment plan for health before the province formally enters into an agreement with the Department of Health.

Board Member Jose Maria Gastardo earlier suggested “to discuss the proposal” before Governor Gwendolyn Garcia enters into a Memorandum of Agreement.

Following the Balili controversy, the Provincial Board has suddenly become more careful in approving resolutions, especially those that calls for the board to authorize the governor to enter into an agreement.

The board has agreed to defer the approval of the proposal of Board Member Peter John Calderon to hear Giango in today’s regular session.

Calderon’s resolution specifically asked the board to allow Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to enter into a MOA with DOH for the enhanced implementation of PIPH. Calderon said the proposed five-year health program will need P5 billion for implementation.

Under the MOA, the enhanced PIPH project will run from 2009 to 2013 and the province “shall allocate, release and use, together with its component local government units, funds that are necessary” for the project.

The proposal was hatched in view of Section II, Article XIII of the Constitution, which provides that “the state shall adapt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services to all the people at affordable cost.” — Liv G. Campo/JMO (THE FREEMAN)