This year’s month-long celebration of the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Sur has been carried out not only with sports and cultural activities but also with undertakings addressing the crucial concern of any individual, which is health.
This was reflected amidst the commemoration of the special event. The provincial government here, through the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), in partnership with the PHO, Amai Pakpak Medical Center (APMC), and Department of Health (DOH), spearheaded a four-day free medical mission for the constituents of this province.
Starting from July 10–13, 2023, citizens enjoyed various services such as eye and dental check-ups, medical consultations, and blood donation, while medicines were provided to needy patients.
IPHO-Lanao del Sur Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang underscored that they pushed for this program to introduce the primary healthcare services available in rural health units (RHUs) and hospitals.
He stated that although these are offered daily, they still conducted this so that they could bring their services closer to the community, considering that not all residents could go and seek medical attention from health institutions.
Minalang was happy that a lot of people flocked to their week-long activity, especially since they have not only focused on residents of the province here but also accommodated those from other places.
"Habang marami pa tayong supplies ng gamot ay tuloy-tuloy ang pagbibigay natin. Everybody is welcome dito (While we still have a lot of supplies, we will continue. Everybody is welcome here)," he said.
Meanwhile, with the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Sur observed for the whole month of July, Minalang hoped that people would keep in mind the key purpose of the commemoration.
He stressed that such a commemorative event is a reminder that his province continues to strive for its betterment through strengthening major services for the public.
Minalang conveyed that behind this celebration is a strong collaboration between the government, both the local government unit and line agencies, and private partners, which allowed the citizenry to survive despite all the adversities brought about by past challenges such as the 2017 Marawi siege and the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic.
"Ang ating mga kababayan ay naging resilient. Nandyan pa rin ang kanilang paniniwala na tayo ay makakaahon sa lahat ng pagsubok at magiging progressive ang ating province," he said.
(Our fellow residents have become resilient. We have this belief that we can overcome all the challenges and that our province will become progressive). (CRG/PIA-10/Lanao del Sur)
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