By Freddie Velez
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan--Doubling their efforts in providing quality health care and by helping sick Bulakenyos especially the poor, Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado received the Philippine medicine award for exemplary civilian service from the Philippine Medical Association during the 111th PMA annual convention held recently at the Summit halls C & D, Philippine International Convention Center, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
HEALTH PRIORITY AWARD--Governor Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado presents the Philippine Medical Association Award for Exemplary Civilian Service to Philippine Medicine together with Dr. Marietta Katipunan, Head of Calumpit District Hospital, as an appreciation for his efforts on making health his number one priority during his 8-year term given during the 111th PMA Annual Convention held recently at the Summit Halls C&D, Philippine International Convention Center, Roxas Boulevard, Manila. (Freddie Velez/MANILA BULLETIN)
It was learned that in his eight years as governor, Alvarado made health as the number one priority in his 7-point agenda by coordinating and supporting the program of the Department of Health in areas like tuberculosis control and HIV prevention and control, improved maternal and children well being and infectious disease control, the nutrition program, and disaster preparedness that is recognized not only in the region but nationwide.
His efforts were recognized and the province received 5 Central Luzon awards for health to include the most PWD-friendly provinces and Hall of Famer. He is an advocate of blood donation and a donor as well and received the Sandugo Outstanding Local Government Executive award twice and outstanding Blood Program implementer and Home Galloners.
Through this, the PMA appreciates the effort of Alvarado by making health as his number one priority in his 8-year term of service. They said, the Bulacan governor's service is just giving back the blessings by catering to the needs of his constituents, especially to the poor and needy.
The PMA also thanked Alvarado for his sincere efforts in modernizing the state-run hospitals in Bulacan and in facilitating the swift delivery of quality health services to the people.
In a one-on-one interview, Alvarado said public service is a public trust. "Kung nais nating tumulong at magserbisyo ng tama at totoo, gawin natin ito ng taos sa puso. Huwag nating hintayin na sila ang lumapit sa atin kundi dalawin natin sila at alamin ang kani-kanilang mga pangangaliangan," he said.
The provincial chief executive also said the Kapitolyo Sa Barangay (KSB) with Vice Gov.Daniel R. Fernando, they personally brought the services of the provincial government to various communities and providing free medical services together with Bulacan doctors and nurses to the far-flung villages and even in the coastal areas of the province. He said this initiative has already served more than a million Bulakenyos.
"Helping others is a very religious and exciting time, most especially if you see the pleasure and a smile on the face of the children. So I hope that we will continue to work together in terms of helping the less fortunate, particularly doing things to help the children--the next generation,” Alvarado said.