The healthcare agenda of Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has taken a more inclusive turn with the planned rollout of a Cebu community-based rehab program in all Cebu local government units, especially in far-flung towns and islands.
The initiative was announced by Dr. Nikki Catalan, Capitol piso health consultant, during the “Community-Based Rehab Summit” held at the Capitol Social Hall on Friday, Sept.22.
“Apil ni sa atong initiative nga ang atong healthcare dili lang curative. Encompassing man ang atong view sa healthcare nga ang rehabilitative apil sa atong health reform,” Dr. Catalan said, adding that rehabilitation remains one of the most overlooked areas of healthcare.
To implement the program, Municipal Health Officers (MHOs) and barangay health workers (BHWs) will undergo basic training in rehabilitation therapy and other areas of physiatry to help patients recover and heal faster.
“Services like physical therapy for stroke survivors are rarely available in rural communities. Dili man gud kaayo ni sila matagad and maglisod sad sila’g pangita aning services sa ilang communities,” Catalan added.
Rehabilitation medicine, or physiatry, focuses on restoring function to individuals disabled by illness, disorder, or injury. It provides multidisciplinary care that addresses not only medical needs but also the physical, emotional, vocational, and social aspects of recovery.
In her message, Gov. Baricuatro described the program as another “first” for Cebu, addressing an often-neglected aspect of healthcare.
“People don’t always see rehabilitation as urgent, but we know it enables full recovery—helping them walk again, work again, and live with dignity after sickness, injury, or disability,” the governor said.
Local health officers, experts from Southwestern University Phinma, and the Philippine Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine (PARM) attended the summit and expressed strong support for the program.
“Recovery from sickness doesn’t end with curing the disease. The process becomes complete only when the individual reintegrates into society as a productive, contributing member,” said Dr. Rhoel James Timothy Dejano, former PARM president.
Dr. Lohindren Adorable, dean of the School of Health and Allied Health Sciences at SWU-Phinma, announced plans to expand the program soon to Bantayan and Camotes Islands, as well as the municipalities of Balamban and Oslob.
Carcar City, Consolacion, Argao, and Ronda have already launched similar programs, marking the Capitol’s steady progress toward more inclusive, community-based healthcare.
“Ang pagpaduol sa therapy ngadto sa katawhan means making sure this kind of care is not a privilege but a right within reach for every Cebuano,” Gov. Baricuatro added. | CAPITOL PIO |
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