DOH-6 honors 'healthy' establishments in W. Visayas
The Department of Health - Center for Health Development 6 (DOH-CHD 6) on Monday recognized its partners in the implementation of the Philippine Health Promotion Program (PHHP) in Western Visayas.
The PHHP is a national multi-sectoral program of the DOH that aims to communicate health messages and build supportive environment through advocacy, networking and community action.
Likewise, it seeks to prevent illnesses by ensuring that "places where people live, work, stay, play, eat and buy foods are safe and healthy."
During the ceremony, the DOH-CHD 6 named the region's Healthy Market, Healthy Workplace, Healthy Eating Place, Healthy Hospital and Healthy Bus Station.
They were chosen based on provisions of safer and adequate water supply complying with national standards, adequate sanitation/toilet facilities, adequate and proper waster disposal, food safety, adequate safety and injury prevention, accessibility of basic health services, non-pollution of the environment, healthy and environment-friendly livelihood program, presence of insect and vermin control program and presence of trees, ornamental plants and gardens.
Recognized as regional winners included for the Healthy Market - Escalante City Shopping Center in Escalante City; Healthy Workplace - Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Kanlaon Plant in Bago City; Healthy Bus Station - San Carlos City Public Transport Terminal, San Carlos City; Healthy Hospital - Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City, all in Negros Occidental.
Under the highly urbanized category, the winners were L'Kaesei Japanese Restaurant and Bongbong Villan Corporation for Healthy Workplace, all in Bacolod City.
The Cadiz District Hospital in Cadiz City was named as Hall of Fame awardee after winning the award as healthy hospital for three consecutive years.
Meanwhile, OIC regional director, Dr. Ariel I. Valencia said starting next year, they will make it part of the criteria for the winning establishment to become a tobacco-free place.
"Before, we tolerate smoking areas in establishments but now the DOH is looking for tobacco-free places," he said.
He also reminded program managers to campaign in all hotels in Western Visayas for them to become smoke–free facilities. (PNA)