The inauguration of the Sta. Lucia Super Health Center, which coincided with the start of the celebration of Women’s Month in Quezon City, highlighted a city government program to strengthen health services at the barangay level.
The new center was a former annex building of the Quezon General Hospital.
"More super health centers will be constructed in the city," Belmonte said. Among these is a two-story mini-hospital near the Sandiganbayan intended to service more than 500,000 residents in the area.
Under the health program of the city government, residents are encouraged to approach barangay health stations for minor health concerns. If necessary, these community health centers will refer cases to the regular health centers and later to the super health centers.
Belmonte said that under his administration, the government has vigorously exerted more effort to improve and expand the public health system at all levels.
He said construction of more health centers, improvement and upgrading of existing facilities are underway with logistical support in the form of equipment, supplies, laboratory facilities and medicine.
"The city government provides every health center with modern facilities," Belmonte said. The initial batch of equipment has already been delivered to various health centers in the city.
Meanwhile, the mayor has announced that he would soon sign into law the proposed Gender and Development (GAD) Code which was recently approved by the city council.
Belmonte, who is the chairman of the GAD council, said the code was drafted following consultations with various women’s groups in Quezon City. The city council approved it on third and final reading during in its last session last Tuesday.
The signing of the GAD code will highlight the celebration of the Women’s Month in Quezon City.
In his speech the other day before women’s groups at the city hall lobby, the mayor cited the important role played by women in transforming the city into a quality community.
He said women practically outnumber men in the city government.
In 2002, the Quezon City government became the first city in Metro Manila to institutionalize gender equality and empowerment in local governance.
To pursue this objective, the city government set up the QC Gender and Development Resource and Coordinating Office (GADRCO) which spearheads the launching of various programs such as children and women’s rights workshops.
The program is part of the commitment of the city government to the mandate of equalizing resources, opportunities and benefits for men and women.