Ona cites Ormoc economic recovery

ORMOC CITY, Philippines - — Top officials and personnel of the Department of Health, along with hundreds of public medical practitioners, gathered in this city for their 8th national staff meeting from March 16 to 18.

"It is worthwhile to note the activity's positive economic side to the city," Health Secretary Enrique Ona told The Freeman, as he also admired the recovery effort of the city after its devastation by Yolanda.

Ona also assured Mayor Edward Codilla of health assistance in the future in line with the city government's services.

On top of the primary objectives of the meeting, which were focused on the DOH programs and related concerns, Ona also cited the contribution of the participants to the economic recovery of the host city.

"I want them (participants) to see for themselves the effects of Yolanda so that they can have an input when they go back to their respective areas," he said.

The original venue of the annual DOH meeting was Tacloban City, but since it was not yet ready to host the event, it was held in Ormoc instead, although the participants were scheduled for a tour in that capital city of Leyte.

Codilla, in his welcome message at the event held at Sabin Resort Hotel, said the event was important for "Ormoc City as it is now advancing towards restoring to its former state."

The mayor, while thanking the DOH for supporting the city during the early days after Yolanda, told the participants that a total of 23,000 out of the more than 203,000 city residents were already registered with PhilHealth.  (FREEMAN)