Palawan health care gets boost

Following the success of the Malampaya-funded Kilusan Ligtas Malaria in Palawan, the Malampaya consortium – composed of Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., Chevron Texaco and Philippine National Oil Co.-Exploration Corp. – recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Southern Palawan Planning Council (SPPC), Pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. (PSFI) and the Department of Health (DOH) for the implementation of the primary health care project "Lingap sa Kalusugan (LIKAS) ng Palawan."

The program aims to address common illnesses which have been the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in southern Palawan such as upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, diarrhea, influenza and tuberculosis, through health advocacy and promotion, capacity building for community health care, organizing and strengthening local health referral system, and developing and strengthening health care financing system.

It also seeks to step up the delivery of primary health care services and facilities to residents in southern Palawan, particularly in the municipalities of Aborlan, Narra, Brooke’s Point, Sofronio Española, Quezon, Rizal, Bataraza and Balabac.

Signing on behalf of the Department of Health, Dr. Jazmin Chipeco said, "I’m very happy that there is this project. It’s truly a great boost for the Palaweños and I believe we are on the right track. It shows the sincere efforts of the local leaders in Palawan. We have Shell and the other companies present here to thank for in making this primary health care project a reality."

SPEX asset manager Keith Perrin reaffirmed Malampaya’s commitment to sustainable development. "Sustainable development is at the heart of Malampaya’s core values. It includes contributing to the well-being of the communities impacted by our operations, and more importantly, helping people help themselves," he said.

"We have great expectations from this primary health care project, and we really look forward to knowing its impact to communities," he added.