The Pasig City local government held a three-day health summit underscoring the importance of improving and expanding the city's healthcare system ensuring the health and well-being of Pasigueños.

(Photos from Pasig LGU)

Held at the Chardonnay by Astoria Events Place, the summit, dubbed as "Moving Together for Healthy Communities and Universal Healthcare", was attended by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto and around 100 stakeholders composed of hospital administrators, city health program managers, barangay captains and councilors, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairpersons, and representatives of  civil society organizations. The summit was also made possible by the city's partnership with the World Health Organization's (WHO) UrbanLead Team  and the University of the Philippines - College of Public Health.

"Days 1 and 2 consisted of a series of lectures, data presentations, and workshops that increased the awareness of our stakeholders on the status and significance of the healthcare system in Pasig city. This also enabled the audience to discuss important issues and craft possible strategies with the help of the UrbanLead Team, namely Dr. John Juliard Go, Prof. Ernesto Gregorio Jr, and Ms. April David, the City Director, Ms. Visitacion Martinez, the Asst. City Health Officer, Dr. Emma Cuevas, HEPO Program Manager, Dr. Mariane Bringuelo, the Hospital Administrator of the Pasig City General Hospital,  Dra. Alice P. Santos, and the Asst. Chief Nurse of the Pasig City Children's Hospital, Nurse Friedrich Owen F. Arellano," the city government said.

"On the culminating day of the summit, Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan, CESO III, from the Department of the Interior & Local Government (DILG), emphasized the critical role of leadership and good governance in community health. Director Rio L. Magpantay, MD, PHSAE, CESO III, representing the Department of Health— Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD), echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impact of effective governance on public well-being. Director Lorra Angelia Sayson Garcia, MSc, of the Health Promotion Bureau, Department of Health (Philippines), underscored the importance of community empowerment. Their collective wisdom resonated with the audience, emphasizing the need to engage and uplift local communities,"

"Bukod sa inputs mula sa mga nasyunal na pamahalaan, nagbigay din ng overview tungkol sa Barangay Development Planning ang City Planning and Development Coordinator ng Lungsod ng Pasig para bigyang gabay naman sa pagpaplano para sa kanilang mga barangay ang stakeholders na nagmula sa komunidad mismo (Aside from inputs from the national government, Pasig's City Planning and Development Coordinator also gave an overview of the city's Barangay Development Planning that aims to serve as a guide for barangay personnel and stakeholders in planning their programs and initiatives for their respective communities)," it explained.

Lastly, the City Health Department (CHD) expressed gratitude to the barangays for their collaboration in health promotion programs. They also recognized the newly licensed primary care facilities in the city, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and quality healthcare for residents.

"This health summit stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of the City Government of Pasig in its pursuit of health and well-being within our urban communities. As we conclude, our gaze is fixed on a brighter, healthier future for Pasig City," the local government unit (LGU) noted.