LMP inks commitment for health

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu mayors signed joint declaration of commitment during the Cebu Provincial Health Summit yesterday to strengthen their continued partnership in harnessing health programs.

The League of Municipalities in the Philippines gathered yesterday at the Provincial Capitol for the summit with the theme: “Usapang Lokal Para sa Kalusugan Pangkalahatan.”

LMP national president and Cavite Mayor Strike Revilla attended the event along with other health officials.

In the declaration, mayors from the different towns of Cebu committed to at least three things to further serve the Cebuanos.

They vowed to “empower and capacitate mayors, LGU health services providers, health volunteers and supportive stakeholders through well designed capacity building programs that will provide competencies and development for health.”

The LMP, they said, will continuously work together with the provincial government, Department of Health, and Philippine Congress.

They also want to link with other stakeholders from the academe, faith-based groups, professional organizations as well as NGOs.

“(We will) practice resourcefulness to aggressively ensure that all programs and projects that contribute to improving health will not be stalled simply by the lack of funds. Rather we shall find alternative through cooperation for health strategies and programs to be implemented,” the LMP said in a statement.

The mayors acknowledged that access to health services and information by a multitude of poor Filipinos is one of their biggest challenges together as leaders and duty bearers to ensure sustainable development. (FREEMAN)