LGU General Luna, Siargao expands community health network with Balay Kalinga halfway house launch
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Demonstrating its persistent commitment to inclusive and compassionate governance, the local government unit (LGU) of General Luna, in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, inaugurated a health facility called “Balay Kalinga” halfway house.
The Balay Kalinga, or house of care facility, is strategically designed to bridge the geographic and financial gaps vulnerable residents face when seeking medical attention. It provides cost-free, temporary, and safe accommodation for individuals requiring multi-day medical care or outpatient follow-ups, expectant mothers awaiting childbirth who require proximity to health facilities, and individuals travelling from distant or island barangays needing temporary shelter before or after hospital visitation.
General Luna Mayor Johnson Y. Sajulga expressed his sincere appreciation to the Department of Health (DOH) for its instrumental role in realizing this initiative. He said the partnership with DOH reinforced the collective mission to strengthen grassroots healthcare infrastructure and guarantee equitable access to quality health services.
“This institutional investment reflects General Luna’s broader agenda to champion human dignity, health equity, and resilient social safety nets for all citizens.” Mayor Sajulga said as the LGU fulfills and supports the healthcare agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
Meanwhile, as a resident of Barangay Tawin-tawin, Nanay Aleng said, “The opening and blessing of our new Bahay Kalinga health facility on July 21 is more than the inauguration of a structure, as it is the fulfillment of a long-standing promise that compassionate, accessible, and high-quality medical care is now within our reach.”
“For years, accessing timely primary healthcare, maternal support, and emergency services required long journeys and difficult sacrifices. With the opening of Bahay Kalinga, our community gains a true sanctuary—a home dedicated to healing, prevention, and human dignity, she said.
LGU officials, department heads, personnel, and key community stakeholders attended the blessing and dedication of the Balay Kalinga halfway house. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from LGU-General Luna)
