Key stakeholders came together for a crucial national consultation meeting focused on improving the 2026-2028 Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH) and the Annual Operation Plan (AOP) held at Microtel, General Santos City, last May 29-30, 2024. Bureau of Local Health Systems Development (BLHSD) conducted the activity in partnership with Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office XII.
The primary goal of the consultation was to review and enhance the said LIPH Tool and AOP to ensure they are aligned with the latest public health needs, policies, government strategic plans and programs such as the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), Regional Development Plan (RDP), Provincial Development and Physical Framework Plan (PDPFP), Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Local Development and Investment Program (LDIP) and Annual Investment Program (AIP).
Multi-dimensional issues beset local communities, and urgent needs warrant attention and action simultaneously. “Health issues/concerns” is a crucial area that has to be embedded and sewn in the fabric of the community. The consultation insights highlighted that LIPH be included in the Strategic Priority/Direction of the Local Chief Executives.
The Universal Health Care (UHC) Coordinators, Department of Health (DOH) Regional Planning Officers, DOH Regional Program Managers, Provincial and City DOH Officers from Regions III, CALABARZON, CARAGA, South Cotabato Province, Sarangani Province, and Baguio City, Local Health System Heads, and Local Investment Plan for Health (LIPH) Coordinators nationwide provided valuable feedback, highlighting the need for better healthcare accessibility, increased transparency, and greater community involvement in health planning.
Also in attendance are the Association of the Municipal Health Officers of the Philippines (AMHOP) Regional President Dr. Gilson Laspinas, MAHA, DOH Accountant Ms. Filipina Velasquez, CPA, Provincial Accountants from PLGU South Cotabato and Sarangani, Ms. Cynthia F. Barrientos, CPA and Mr. Armando Cunanan, CPA, MPA, respectively.
The event saw vibrant discussions on optimizing our healthcare strategies through Programs, Projects, Activities, Services (PPAs) in the LIPH to better serve our community. The presence of the personnel from DOH BLHSD, Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), Facilities Enhancement Program Management Office (FEP-MO), Health Promotion Bureau (HPB), Financial Management Service (FMS), Universal Health Care-Policy and Strategy Cluster (UHC-PSC), Health Policy Development and Planning Bureau (HPD-PB), and consultants/experts from Asian Development Bank (ADB) Health Care System Dr. Michael S. Caampued and Dr. Paulo Remurado underscored the importance of the dialogue/consultative meeting initiating public financial management and adapting designs to the dynamic health care landscape. Participant from this Office is Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) V Cristy Jane A. Buenaflor.
"This national consultation is vital for ensuring that our health plans are comprehensive and responsive to the community's evolving needs. By refining the LIPH, we aim to work closely with our partner stakeholders, to name: DILG, NEDA, PHILHEALTH, DBM, COA, DOF, Congressional Representatives, Province/City/Municipal/Barangay’s League Presidents of the Philippines, Vice Governors/Mayor’s League Presidents of the Philippines, Presidents of the Philippine League of Planners, NGOs, CSOs, and the like. Realizing the AmBisyon 2040, we hope that said stakeholders support our effort towards achieving a Matatag, Maginhawa, at Panatag na buhay for Filipinos. By strengthening the implementation of LIPH in the LGUs, DOH commits to provide a Panatag na buhay (long, healthier, and happier life) para sa lahat,” said Dr. Anthony B. Cu, Bureau of Local Health Systems Development (BLHSD) Director.
The collaborative approach taken in this consultation signifies a promising direction for local health planning, aiming for tangible improvements in healthcare delivery and public health outcomes. The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement on the need for ongoing dialogues and reviews on the existing policies/issuances to ensure that local health investment plans become more relevant and effective in all levels of the local government units.
