By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Health – Negros Island Region Center for Health Development (DOH-NIR CHD) has reinforced health services across the region with the formal induction of 438 newly deployed health professionals under the National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS).
The 1st Human Resources for Health Oath-Taking Ceremony was held on February 19, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center, marking a major boost to primary health care delivery, particularly in underserved communities.
The new batch of health workers is composed of 245 nurses, 153 midwives, 20 medical technologists, eight nutritionist-dietitians, six pharmacists, three physical therapists, and three dentists.
They will be deployed to various cities and municipalities across NIR, with priority given to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), low-income localities and indigenous communities.
In her opening message, Mylene Infante highlighted the crucial role of the newly inducted personnel in strengthening primary health care and ensuring equitable access to services.
She said the strategic deployment of health workers under the NHWSS brings the region closer to a more responsive and inclusive health system for Negrenses and Siquijodnons.
Delivering the inspirational message on behalf of the DOH Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, officer-in-charge Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos emphasized the responsibility entrusted to the new health workers as frontliners in priority areas.
“You are stepping into the frontlines in the most priority communities — GIDAs, low-income municipalities and indigenous populations. Your presence represents DOH’s commitment that no Filipino will be left behind,” the message stated.
The ceremony included the formal oath-taking and ceremonial signing of appointments, symbolically led by team leaders from the local government units where the personnel will be assigned.
As part of the orientation, Marc Elic Pialago of the Health Systems Integration Cluster provided a refresher on the Universal Health Care Act, underscoring the role of human resources for health in delivering integrated and people-centered services.
This was followed by a presentation on the PuroKalusugan initiatives and the responsibilities of NHWSS personnel in community-based health programs, led by Jennifer Remollo.
Assistant Regional Director Ramos also discussed the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees under Republic Act No. 6713, reminding the inductees of their duty to uphold integrity, accountability and professionalism in public service./CJ, WDJ