𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐋’𝐒 ‘𝐀𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐔𝐆𝐁𝐎’ 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓
Healthcare workers from across Cebu Province were honored Thursday night during the “Ato ang Sugbo” Healthcare Heroes’ Appreciation Night at the Capitol Social Hall, with Gov. Pamela Baricuatro and other provincial officials reaffirming commitments to strengthen the local health system.
The Feb. 13 event gathered doctors, nurses, midwives, medical technologists, hospital staff, community health workers and emergency responders in a celebration of service and dedication.
In her keynote address, Gov. Baricuatro described the gathering as “a moment of recognition, gratitude, and deep respect” for those who stand on the frontlines of care.
“We gather here to honor the men and women who stand at the frontlines of care, often unseen, often unthanked, yet always unwavering in their commitment to serve,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
She thanked healthcare workers and praised their compassion during disasters, public health threats and other emergencies.
“Your work is more than a profession; it is a calling,” she said, assuring them that the provincial government “sees you, values you, and stands firmly beside you.”
The governor said her administration has made healthcare a top priority, citing efforts to improve hospitals, expand access to services, invest in equipment and support programs for both patients and health workers.
“Leadership, after all, is not only about building systems; it is about caring for those who care for others,” she added.
The program also featured the landmark signing of two agreements aimed at ensuring long-term healthcare workforce sustainability and strengthening medical education and residency training across Cebu Province.(𝑺𝒆𝒆 𝒔𝒆𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚)
In her welcome message, Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan highlighted the role of stakeholders over the past seven months in extending healthcare services through surgical and medical missions in district and provincial hospitals.
“Because of your generosity, thousands of Cebuanos received care they would otherwise have had to wait months — or even years — to access,” Dr. Catalan said.
She said the combined surgical procedures and medical consultations delivered through the missions amounted to ₱100,495,800 worth of healthcare services.
“That number represents real lives touched, real pain relieved, real families helped,” she said.
Dr. Catalan described the missions as vital stop-gap measures while the province works to upgrade facilities, increase manpower and refine policies.
The Capitol recognized the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, the Police Regional Office 7, Provincial Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero, Malasakit at Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Girlie Veloso, 4th District Rep. Sun Shimura and other local chief executives from across Cebu.
Health institutions and partners were also recognized, including the Department of Health – Central Visayas led by Regional Director Dr. Joshua Brillantes, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Region VII, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center and Medical Center Chief Dr. Gerardo M. Aquino Jr., Chong Hua Hospital, Cebu Doctors University Hospital and Cebu South Medical Center, among others.
Provincial and district hospital chiefs from Balamban, Bogo, Carcar, Danao, Badian, Bantayan, Barili, Daanbantayan, Argao, Pinamungajan, Sogod, Malabuyoc, Minglanilla, Oslob, Camotes and Tuburan also attended, along with leaders of medical societies, academic institutions and civic groups.
The evening concluded with a renewed call for unity under the province’s “Ato ang Sugbo” vision — a Cebu “where compassion leads governance, where service defines leadership, and where no Cebuano is left behind.” /𝑪𝑨𝑷𝑰𝑻𝑶𝑳 𝑷𝑰𝑶, 𝑷𝒉𝒐𝒕𝒐𝒔 𝒃𝒚 𝑨𝑺𝑪
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