The Pasig City local government’s Prehospital Care and Emergency Medical Services Medical Control Program won a “Galing Pook” award on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Dra. Nerissa Sabarre, chairperson of the Pasig City General Hospital - Department of Emergency Medicine and Acute Care (PCGH DEMAC), received the award during the ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 12.
The medical control program was one of 17 national finalists to qualify for the award. A total of 166 entries were submitted by local governments around the country.
Prior to the awarding ceremony, a panel presentation and interview, attended by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, was held on Wednesday, Oct. 11 to determine the 10 recipients of the award.
“The Galing Pook journey has been both an enlightening and fulfilling experience for us in Pasig City, and the inclusion of our Prehospital Care and Emergency Medical Services Medical Control Program as one of the finalists is already a bonus for us," Sotto said.
"This program is the City Government of Pasig’s humble contribution to the medical field, in particular, in carrying out prehospital care and emergency medical services — the potential of which was maximally utilized during the pandemic, and even now as we navigate the various challenges in healthcare in this new normal. This innovation is a testament to the City Government’s commitment to prioritize the health of Pasigueños and we are excited to share this program with the rest of the country," he added.
Other local government awardees were the Bataan Province; Bayawan City, Negros Oriental; Davao Oriental Province; Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; General Santos City; Iloilo Province; Makati City; Quezon City; and Brgy. Taloot, Argao Cebu.
The Galing Pook Awards recognizes the "innovative practices by local government units" through initiatives that have "positive results and impact, promote people’s participation and empowerment, resilience, sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery and transferability."