DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Mamasapano town in Maguindanao has received new health facilities from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) under its Humanitarian and Development Assistance Program.
Two rural health units, 18 barangay health stations, 11 communal toilets, 11 deep wells with elevated water tanks and P7.5 million worth of medical equipment were turned over to the municipal government on Friday.
Health care will become more accessible to residents with the new facilities, Ariff Baguindala of the integrated provincial health office said.
Julkarnain Abas, Department of Health (DOH)-ARMM assistant secretary, said the facilities would also be instrumental in decreasing mortality rate in far-flung areas.
“If we look at the data of the DOH, one of the biggest problems is facility-based deliveries... These would be a big boost to our health services,” Abas said.
ARMM executive secretary Laisa Alamia called on the public, especially women, to optimize the use of barangay health stations and rural health units.
Alamia said the regional government is also building a hospital facility worth P100 million in Maguindanao.