By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) has expanded its PuroKalusugan (PK) health services program initiative to 451 sites across the Bicol Region in the first three months of the year.
In an interview on Friday, Yolanda Almonguera, head of the DOH-5’s health system development unit, said the program is one of the agency’s three flagship programs, described as a transformative approach to improving primary healthcare delivery for underserved and unserved Filipinos.
“By expanding our coverage, we are ensuring that essential health services reach those who need them the most,” she said.
The target PuroKalusugan sites this year were Albay with 15 municipalities and three (3) cities, 54 target minimum implementation sites, and 59 implementation sites identified; Camarines Sur with 37 municipalities and cities, 111 target minimum implementation sites, and 111 implementation sites identified; Camarines Norte with 12 municipalities, 36 target minimum implementation sites, and 83 implementation sites identified.
For Catanduanes with 11 municipalities, 33 target minimum implementation sites, and 33 implementation sites identified; Masbate with 21 municipalities and cities, 63 target minimum implementation sites, and 46 implementation sites identified; and Sorsogon with 15 municipalities and cities, 45 target minimum implementation sites, and 119 implementation sites identified.
“The program has identified implementation sites in various Bicol provinces, and the total for all provinces is 114 municipalities and cities, 342 target minimum implementation sites, and as of March 12, 2025, 451 implementation sites identified,” she added.
She also highlighted that the program focuses on improving public health through several key initiatives.
These include vaccination campaigns to cover 95 percent of the population, nutrition programs to address malnutrition, and safe water access in communities. Maternal health services aim for 95 percent of antenatal and postnatal care visits, while tuberculosis treatment targets 100 percent coverage.
The HIV program works on diagnosis and education, aiming for an 85 percent diagnosis rate and 70 percent knowledge improvement. Other efforts include controlling hypertension, managing diabetes, and preventing cervical and breast cancer.
“Our goal is to ensure every individual has access to essential health services, promoting prevention and early intervention to improve overall health outcomes across the community,” Almonguera said.
She said municipalities with the ongoing implementation of the PuroKalusugan program are Albay, including Camalig, Jovellar, Legazpi City, Oas, Malilipot, Malinao, Tabaco City, and Tiwi; Camarines Norte, in Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Vicente, Sta. Elena, and Vinzons; Camarines Sur, in Del Gallego, Lupi, Ragay, San Fernando, Libmanan, Pasacao, Iriga City, and Nabua.
Other covered areas are: the municipalities of Bato, Caramoran, Pandan, Panganiban, San Miguel, Viga, and Virac in Catanduanes; Balud in Masbate; Bulan, Irosin, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena, Pilar, Castilla, Donsol, Bacon, Magallanes, Barcelona, Prieto Diaz, and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon. (with reports from Kryselle Jesa Perez and Valerie Mae Olaño, OJTs/PNA)