By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Around 68 barangay health stations across Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, are said to be included in the anomalous P8.1 billion used to construct 5,700 barangay health stations nationwide, which was signed by former Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin and later uncovered by current DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Based on data provided to Bombo Radyo-Bacolod by the Department of Education (DepEd), 16 of the health stations are located in Bacolod City, with the remaining in Himamaylan City, Victorias City, Binalbagan, Cauayan, EB Magalona, Isabela, Moises Padilla, Murcia, Hinigaran, and La Castellana.

One such facility at Bata Elementary School I in Bacolod City, as noted by DepEd-Negros Occidental Nutrition Program head, Dr. Joey Villarosa, only has the flooring complete. According to project contractor J. Bros. Construction, the structure is prefabricated and has yet to be delivered.

According to Duque, the contractor also notified their office to inform them the first phase of the project would be terminated and billed the department P2.9 billion for 429 units. However, the DOH official said the project sites were not validated by DOH, DepEd, or the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In a separate news report, one health station in Manila was reported to have been completed, however, the facility remains closed and lacks medical supplies and personnel./DGB, WDJ