Mar Roxas to replicate Negros Occidental health plan

BACOLOD CITY , Philippines  — The Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP) is a pioneering health program in line with the health care thrust of President Aquino, and this might even be replicated around the country, former Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said Friday.

Roxas visited the city to discuss the provincial government's health programs, food security, infrastructure and natural resources management.

The meeting was attended by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez Jr., Reps. Alfredo "Albee" Benitez, Mercedes Alvarez and Alfredo Marañon III, PB Members, Association of Chief Executives president David Albert Lacson, department heads and provincial consultants.

NOCHP program manager Roy Balicas and Core Group head Marlin Sanogal said Roxas has asked them to submit a proposal for the capital and operational expenditures of the NOCHP so the president would know which area he can give assistance.

Roxas said he wanted to examine the capitalization and operations of NOCHP that it could be a "template" for the health programs of the national government.