Agusan Sur health workers unite in fight against non-communicable diseases
By Kelvin Kennt R. Generalo
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur (PIA) — Professionals and volunteers from various health offices and public hospitals across Agusan del Sur attended the two-day Health Summit 2025 at the Provincial Learning Center (PLC), Patin-ay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Oct. 9-10.
With the theme, ‘Empowering Communities, Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs): A Path to Health and Well-Being,’ the event was also participated in by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and the Provincial Department of Health Office (PDOHO).
Democrito O. Plaza Memorial Hospital (DOPMH) Medical Officer Kenneth Sagrado, a 10-year medical practitioner, gave a lecture about NCD prevention and control.
He tackled the effective ways to prevent and treat NCDs, including how to maintain an active lifestyle, nutrition, and the importance of regular medical checkups. “NCDs are chronic conditions that are not contagious but pose a major global health challenge.”
“Major risk factors of today will be the diseases of tomorrow. NCDs are preventable, which is why risk factors should be considered and avoided,” Doctor Sagrado said.
Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago B. Cane Jr. expressed his support to the activity and encouraged the health care workers to strengthen and value their role as frontliners.
“You’re gathering here for two days not just for a summit, but for a solemn mission — to strengthen our fight against NCDs, whether preventive or curative. These are the silent yet relentless adversaries of our time. They may not come as sudden disasters, but they strike deep — draining families of hope, burdening hospitals, and robbing communities of strength,” the governor said.
“In this light, your work as frontliners becomes the province’s strongest defense. Each time you screen a patient for hypertension, counsel someone struggling with mental distress, or guide a senior citizen toward healthier living, you are not only saving one life, you are preserving the vitality of the entire province,” he added.
Cane also commended the efforts of all organizers and participants, recognizing their vital role in bringing essential health services to the public. He further encouraged them to advise their patients to grow their own vegetables and consume natural, chemical-free foods for better health.
Plaques and certificates of recognition were awarded to various health facilities in Agusan del Sur to show the government’s appreciation and gratitude for their invaluable support and unwavering commitment to the successful implementation and delivery of NCDs prevention and control programs and services.
The two-day Health Summit strengthened the communities across the province by raising awareness and enhancing programs that address NCDs, especially the common ones such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
With the continued support of the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur, local government units (LGUs), and dedicated health care workers, the summit placed a spotlight on the province’s collective effort toward building healthier, more resilient, and productive communities for all Agsurnons. (KKRG, PIA Agusan del Sur with a report from PTV Agusan del Sur)