The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Nueva Ecija Provincial Office is one with the province in the recently conducted “LGU Health Summit” at Harvest Hotel, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on December 5, 2019.

Health sector representatives, including local chief executives, from all over the province were presented with the 2018 LGU Health Scorecard Results, as well as the revised data capture forms. Also, updates on the Universal Health Care Act (UHCA) Implementing Rules and Regulations were presented to the body to support the advocacy in ensuring that all Filipinos are guaranteed with equitable access to quality and affordable health care, goods and services and protection against financial risk through a progressive whole of system, whole of government and whole of society approach.

Dir. Renato G. Bernardino, DILG Nueva Ecija Provincial Director, commended the LGUs who were conferred with the 2019 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), and further encouraged them to continually improve the delivery of basic services including health which is now an independent governance area of the SGLG Act of 2019 (RA 11292).

LGOO VI Alfa Krista P. Cruz, DILG Nueva Ecija Program Manager, took the opportunity to present an overview of the SGLG Law, with emphasis on Health Compliance and Responsiveness criteria. She then related the indicators of the SGLG Law with the UHCA, and encouraged LGU representatives to be proactive in preparing for the 2020 SGLG Assessment.

Representatives from LGUs and hospitals sealed their declaration in ensuring a healthier Nueva Ecija in support to the Universal Health Care Act by affixing their signatures in the Pledge of Commitment.