Ligao City holds SOGIE, STI, HIV-AIDS awareness workshop

Bb. Ruffa Torregaza of GAYOn talked about Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expression during the workshop.

The City Government of Ligao, in partnership with GAYOn and GentleMen, conducted an awareness and control seminar workshop on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expressions (SOGIE), Sexually Transmitted Illness (STI), and Human Immunodeficiency virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV-AIDS) on 15 August 2015 at the 2nd floor of Jesse Robredo Building, Tuburan Ligao City.

Local representatives of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) group were the target audience of the workshop due to the increasing number of HIV-AIDS cases in the Philippines which are common to Men Having Sex With Men (MSM).

As of February 2015, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded a total of 646 cases of HIV in the country. Of the 646 recorded cases, 96% consist of male with 586 (91%) cases of unprotected sex. The rate of newly diagnosed HIV cases in the Philippines increased from 17 cases per day in 2014 to 20 cases per day in 2015.

Committee on Health Chairman Herbert Borja of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay said that the increasing number of HIV cases calls for an immediate action to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections. He also challenged the group to create a district-wide organization that will represent the LGBTs of 3rd District of Albay. GentleMen Coordinator Jurlan N. Buello likewise aims to gather more members of the LGBT in 3rd District to extend the information dissemination.

The workshop also aimed to elicit the opinion of the group and their beliefs and understanding regarding gender issues. Bb. Ruffa Torregoza of GAYOn discussed SOGIE 101: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identification and Expressions, and HIV Awareness and Protection. Mr. Richard Hayag of the GentleMen explained the STI and HIV/AIDS epidemic in Albay while Mr. Toots Rivac of GAYOn orients the participants on RA 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Law.
Written by Lala Peñafiel 

Ligao City launches Mobile Dental Clinic; conducts Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Caravan

On the sixth day of its 14th Cityhood Anniversary celebration, the City Government of Ligao, in partnership with the Department of Health, launched the Mobile Dental Clinic and conducted the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Caravan at Barangay Nasisi on 23 March 2015. 

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and DOH Regional Director Gloria J. Balboa, M.D. graced the ribbon cutting and blessing of Mobile Dental Clinic

The mobile dental clinic features a complete set of medical equipment for performing dental procedures. This is to provide dental services to residents in remote areas who cannot afford to visit health clinics. Likewise, this will also help the dentists to conveniently and safely perform dental procedures with the patients. 

Dentists can now perform dental procedures with complete medical equipment with the new Mobile Dental Clinic of Ligao City 

Meanwhile, the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan (LBK) Caravan features a bus that serves as a mobile health facility with two mobile clinics where pregnant and post-partum women can consult with specialists, according to DOH Health Education Promotion Officer and LBK Caravan head Noemi A. Bron. The LBK bus is also equipped with laboratory and birthing equipment. It has 16 seats in the waiting area where patients can watch information materials provided by the DOH. 

Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan invades Ligao City. 

Doctors, nurses, and health workers of the City Health Office headed by Dr. Wynns Samar served as facilitators and knowledge providers in stations or classes during the LBK Caravan. The stations discussed information on safe motherhood, reproductive health, family planning, and child nutrition. A station called Usapang Macho was also installed for fathers and male participants. 

The first station in the Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Caravan covers a topic on safe motherhood and child nutrition.

An interactive exhibit was also opened during the LBK Caravan wherein health workers and participants make a two-way discussion of displayed information.

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Vice Mayor Jorlan T. Guanzon, and DOH Regional Director Gloria J. Balboa, M.D, with the City Councilors graced the ribbon cutting and opening of the interactive exhibit at Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan Caravan.

DOH Regional Director Gloria J. Balboa, M.D. acknowledged the active participation of Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua as head of the City Government in implementing health programs. Due to its efforts in promoting good health, Ligao City received four Salud-Bikolnon Awards from DOH in 2014.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

Ligao City grabs four DOH Salud Bikolnon Awards

Photo credit: Jurlan Buello/ 
Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua

Ligao City took the limelight again as it bagged awards during the DOH Salud Bikolnon Awarding Ceremony on 12 December 2014 at Legazpi City. The Department of Health recognized Ligao City with the following awards:

• Best Implementer of Newborn Screening Program
• Best Implementer of TB Control Program
• Orally Fit Day Care Center Award - Ligao City
• Orally Fit Day Care Center - Oma-Oma Day Care Center

The local government, headed by Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, is allocating funds for the improvement of facilities to provide citizens with quality services.

In the previous month, Ligao City was also awarded as an Outstanding LGU during the Philippine National Corn Congress for implementing corn-related programs and producing Aflatoxin-free corn. 

Meanwhile, two schools in Ligao have recently won awards. The Ligao National High School Voice Chorale won as Champion during the National Music Competition for Young Artists while Bicol Regional Science High School Dance Theater topped in the regional competition,Gayon Bicol Pastores, 

Read more about Ligao's health and agricultural services:

Seeds of Development: Ligao renders commendable agricultural services

Beyond borders: Ligao City offers free health services