‘Panagtigum’ brings government health information closer to Bislig communities
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — Bringing accurate, timely, and accessible information on government programs and services closer to the people, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga through the Surigao del Sur Government Information Center, and the city government of Bislig through the City Information Office recently conducted the ‘Panagtigum,’ strengthening the city’s community health advocacy awareness.
Panagtigum, a Bisaya term for gathering or coming together, served as a platform for government communicators, community leaders, youth representatives, media practitioners, and other stakeholders to exchange information, clarify concerns, and strengthen their role in connecting communities with government services.
The convergence, held on September 9 at the Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center, brought together barangay information officers (BIOs), barangay council members, Sangguniang Kabataan officials, student leaders, information officers from various city government offices, media partners, and stakeholder-leaders.
The forum featured discussions on government programs and services, particularly in the health sector, while providing participants an avenue to clarify issues and address common misconceptions that may prevent individuals and families from accessing available assistance.
The activity highlighted the importance of effective public communication in ensuring that government programs reach their intended beneficiaries. Beyond simply disseminating information, community-based communication helps people understand what services are available, who can avail of them, and where and how they can access these services.
PhilHealth clarifies benefits
Among the key discussions was the clarification of PhilHealth benefits by Juliet A. Golez, chief social insurance officer of PhilHealth, who emphasized that PhilHealth services extend beyond hospitalization.
“One of the most common misconceptions is that PhilHealth can only be used for inpatient services or when a person is already admitted to the hospital. Many people believe they can only avail of PhilHealth when they are sick,” Golez said.
She explained that platforms such as Panagtigum are important in correcting misinformation and encouraging PhilHealth members to maximize preventive and primary healthcare services, particularly through the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP).
“We are conducting this forum to address these misconceptions. Many Filipinos die without ever consulting a doctor. Through PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program or YAKAP, every member is assigned to a primary care provider regardless of their membership status,” she said.
Golez added that Bislig City has seven accredited YAKAP facilities where qualified members may choose their preferred primary care provider. These facilities offer services such as medical consultations, laboratory examinations, medicine dispensing, and other primary healthcare benefits covered by PhilHealth.
She encouraged participants to make use of these services, stressing that early consultation and access to primary healthcare can help prevent illnesses from progressing into more serious medical conditions.
The discussion also underscored the broader role of health information in empowering Filipinos to make informed decisions about their health and maximize government programs intended to provide accessible healthcare.
PHO highlights accessible health services
Meanwhile, the Surigao del Sur Provincial Health Office (PHO) highlighted its key services and how these contribute to accessible healthcare for communities. Doctor Oscar de Jesus, provincial health officer, discussed three major components of PHO services: capacity development, preventive and outpatient services, and water analysis.
“Under CapDev, the PHO conducts assessments to identify health needs and improve the delivery of health services,” De Jesus said.
He also highlighted the availability of preventive and outpatient services, noting that patients, including those discharged from hospitals, can access free services through the Malasakit Program, helping reduce the financial burden of healthcare on individuals and families.
The provincial health officer further shared that the PHO conducts water analysis at minimal and affordable fees to help communities assess the safety and quality of their water supply.
These services demonstrate the importance of making health information understandable and accessible at the community level, particularly for residents who may be unaware of government programs available to them.
Strengthening grassroots communication
Discussions during Panagtigum also reinforced the critical role of local communicators in bringing government information from national and local institutions to the grassroots.
With the barangay information officers and other community-based information partners serving as frontline channels of information, the activity emphasized the need for clear, accurate, and timely messaging, especially on programs and services that directly affect people’s lives.
Through stronger coordination among government offices, barangays, information officers, youth leaders, and media partners, public information can reach more communities and help bridge the gap between government programs and the people they are intended to serve.
The initiative reflects the broader government thrust of bringing public services closer to the people, not only by delivering programs but also by ensuring that citizens have the information they need to understand, access, and benefit from these services. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
