DOH launches media awards, health caravan

The Department of Health (DOH) launched its Parangal sa mga Kuwentong Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Health Media Awards and Lakbay Buhay Kalusugan: Kalusugan Pangkalahatan on Wheels (LBK-KP) health caravan projects for this year.

The launching was held at the DOH in Manila through a ceremonial announcement and orientation led by Health Secretary Enrique Ona.

This year, the Parangal sa mga Kuwentong Kalusugan Pangkalahatan Health Media Awards will recognize Manila and province-based journalists from mainstream and non-traditional media for excellent stories that tell of ordinary folk’s strides in making a health-conscious communityand healthy family. A special prize for bloggers will also be given.

“By telling their stories, of their struggles and little successes inlife, our friends in the media will be powerful instruments in gettingthe message across. Needless to say, we should have healthy citizens to be able to build empowered communities,” said Assistant Health SecretaryDr. Eric Tayag.

On the other hand, the health caravan that began in March 2011 now featured a newly-refurbished bus, which dons a more colorful theme that proudly showcases Filipino family values and the health caravan’s essential services through caricatures that defy ethnic boundaries. “This is the same health caravan that will be servicing ten areas across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao starting in Isabela, Tuguegarao and Bulacan in February and March this year,” Ona said.

The LBK-KP health caravan is a nationwide campaign that will bring information and education to families in remote communities in accordance with the government’s health reform agenda of universal access to health care.

The bus is equipped with consultation and examination clinics and a health promotion arena of an interactive exhibit, health classes, storytelling sessions and entertainment shows.

This is an initiative of the DOH, through the National Center for Health Promotion. Probe Media Foundation Inc. provides technical assistance in the project implementation. Partners such as Victory Liner, Association of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates International Inc, Philippine Press Institute and DKT Starmovers provide additional support to the project.