Provincial Health Office-Northern Samar

25/10/2026

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐁𝐘 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆: 𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐑𝐒𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐊 𝐓𝐎𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 𝐏𝐀𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Northern Samar, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), conducted the “Joint Program of DOH-PHO & DICT Digital Productivity and Paperless Healthcare Administration” on October 14–15, 2026, at FMB Travellers Inn Hotel. The two-day activity brought together Chiefs of Hospital (COHs), Administrative Officers (AOs), and two (2) Unit Heads to strengthen their digital competencies and promote more efficient, paperless healthcare administration.

The first day focused on digital transformation through Google Workspace, facilitated by Ms. Shaira Sol A. Abelido, Center Manager of the Digital Transformation Center Samar. In her welcome remarks, Ms. Eve L. Legion, Supervising Administrative Officer and Chief of the Health Systems Support Division, emphasized a message that resonates with every leader navigating change: “Even those who lead must be willing to begin again.” Her message highlighted the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and openness to new approaches in improving healthcare administration.

Participants explored Google Drive for digital documentation and records management, as well as Google Sheets for healthcare administration. Through hands-on exercises, they practiced creating folders and subfolders, uploading and sharing files, and working with spreadsheets to support their daily administrative tasks.

On the second day, Mr. Aaron G. Chan, PDO I and SPARK Focal DICT Northern Samar led the discussions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), beginning with its definition, history, and evolution. He introduced three training paradigms: supervised learning, described as “spoon-feeding”; unsupervised learning, likened to “sorting”; and reinforcement learning, compared to “the coach.” A video presentation further illustrated the role of data-centered work.

The afternoon session highlighted various AI tools, particularly Google Gemini, its features, capabilities, and practical applications. Participants engaged in a hands-on activity on generating notebooks using Gemini, followed by volunteer presentations showcasing their outputs. The activity concluded with the distribution of certificates to the resource speakers and participants, and closing remarks from Dr. Joseph Estanislao, Chief of Hospital II of Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH), who encouraged everyone to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in their respective facilities.

This commitment to learning and innovation also complements the provincial administration’s development priorities of Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities (HCO) under the leadership of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan. Strengthening the capabilities of healthcare personnel contributes to better health services, while promoting paperless processes encourages more efficient use of resources. At the same time, digital transformation opens opportunities for stronger collaboration, improved productivity, and more responsive healthcare systems.

20/10/2026

𝙃𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙮 𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝘿𝙤𝙘 𝘼𝙪!🥳💙

Warmest birthday wishes to our 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘋𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳 𝘐𝘐 𝘪𝘯 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦, 𝘋𝘳. 𝘔𝘢. 𝘈𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘋𝘶𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘤𝘰-𝘝𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘰. May you continue to find joy and fulfillment in serving the people of Northern Samar and in leading efforts to provide better healthcare for our communities.

Wishing you good health, happiness, and more blessings in the years ahead. May you continue to inspire and make a difference through your service. Happy Birthday, Doc Au!

-𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙋𝙃𝙊 𝙁𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮🫶

12/10/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐒𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐒𝐘𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐌 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐑

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Northern Samar, in coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other health system partners, facilitated a four-day capacity-building activity on October 5–8, 2026.

Anchored on the theme, “Strengthening Primary Care Facility Health Information System: Building an Integrated, Accurate, and Data-Driven Province-Wide Health System," the activity brought together ICT personnel and Municipal Health Officers to improve health information management, strengthen digital skills, and develop standardized procedures for telemedicine services.

The first day, “Strengthening iClinicSys Operations and Reporting,” featured the Assessment of iClinicSys Performance: Operation and Claims, which opened with welcome remarks from Dr. Ma. Aurora D. Vicencio, FPPS, MMHoA, PGDH-Provincial Health Office. Discussions covered iClinicSys functionality, electronic medical records (EMR), M1-generated reports, M2 morbidity submissions, and timely reporting. Ms. Judith Olmedo, Provincial FHSIS Coordinator, emphasized the importance of complete, accurate, and timely health data and encouraged facilities to maximize iClinicSys for more efficient reporting. Ms. Ereca Mae Jore, Senior Administrative Assistant, presented the status of submissions of iClinicSys-generated reports. Ms. Ma. Divina Elaisa Cardenas, Social Insurance Officer of LHIO-Catarman, also shared updates on YAKAP and GAMOT implementation across the province’s 24 Rural Health Units (RHUs). An open forum allowed participants to raise operational concerns, share experiences, and discuss challenges in their facilities.

The second day, “Building Practical Digital Skills,” focused on the collaboration between the Provincial ICT for Health Committee and DICT to enhance the digital capabilities of PWHS ICT personnel through training on Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Mr. Aaron G. Chan, PDO I and SPARK Focal Person of DICT, facilitated the training on behalf of Ms. Florence A. Yanto-Raganit. Through practical exercises, participants explored how these tools can improve data management, documentation, collaboration, and daily workflows. The session concluded with the distribution of certificates to participants and the resource speaker.

The third and fourth days, “Establishing a Shared Telemedicine Framework,” were dedicated to Drafting the Province-Wide Health System Telemedicine Manual of Procedures. Mr. Rhanwel B. Lao, IT Officer II and Head of the Management Information Systems Office (MISO), introduced the Telemedicine System under (iHOMIS+ Module 2). Participants then reviewed the proposed manual, including the basic appointment process, referral coordination, and the steps involved in accessing telemedicine services. Facilitated by Ms. Eve L. Legion, Supervising Administrative Officer and Chief of the Health Systems Support Division and Mr. Rhanwel B. Lao, the discussions clarified the responsibilities of participating facilities, healthcare personnel, and Telemedicine Administrators. Participants contributed recommendations and refined the procedures to support coordinated implementation.

The activity culminated in the finalization of the PWHS Telemedicine Manual of Procedures, with representatives of participating RHUs signing the document to signify their agreement with its contents. Certificates of participation were distributed at the close of the activity.

Together, these initiatives strengthen Northern Samar’s capacity to use reliable health data, practical digital tools, and coordinated telemedicine procedures to support better decisions and more responsive healthcare services.

Smarter systems. Connected facilities. Better care for every Nortehanon.💙

10/10/2026

Provincial Health Board Meeting October 7, 2026

08/10/2026

05/10/2026

𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙧𝙨🩵: 𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙨 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩, 𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙮, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) successfully conducted its “Caring for Carers Activity” on October 2, 2026, at White Beach Pavilion, Brgy. UEP, Catarman, N. Samar—a meaningful day dedicated to strengthening teamwork, connection, and support among its people.

The activity began with an opening message from Dr. Ma. Aurora D. Vicencio, FPPS, MMHoA, PGDH-Provincial Health Officer II, followed by a message from Ms. Eve L. Legion, MPA, Supervising Administrative Officer and Chief of the Health System Support Division, who highlighted the objectives and purpose of the activity and the importance of strengthening teamwork, communication, and mutual support among PHO personnel.

This was followed by a fun and creative introduction led by Ms. Judith Olmedo, Midwife IV/Program Coordinator, where everyone had the chance to know one another beyond their usual roles. An icebreaker game then set the tone for a day filled with energy, laughter, and learning.

A meaningful discussion led by Ms. Arnita P. Sabong, PHO-Quality Assurance Officer, highlighted the heart of team building—collaboration, communication, and empathy.

This was further enriched by Ms. Lenette Lapara, Nurse III/Program Coordinator, who shared valuable insights on Caring for Carers and emphasized the importance of empathy in creating a more supportive workplace. Through her lecture, she also oriented PHO employees on the 4𝘔’𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘴𝘺𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘪𝘥 (𝘗𝘍𝘈): 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘥𝘢𝘮, 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘨, 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘣𝘢𝘺, 𝘢𝘵 𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘶𝘨𝘯𝘢𝘺 - practical ways of being present, listening with compassion, providing support and reassurance, and connecting others to appropriate help when needed.

The learning was then put into action through a series of exciting games, where five groups competed, collaborated, and cheered one another on. Beyond the friendly competition were moments of laughter, teamwork, encouragement, and stronger connections.

The activity concluded with a message from Dr. John Ezekiel T. Valera, MBA, FPAFP, Chief of the Health Service Delivery Division and Provincial Health Officer I, reminding everyone that caring for others also means caring for the people who care.

At the end of the day, the games may have had winners, but the real takeaway was shared by everyone: when people feel valued, heard, and supported, they become stronger—not only as individuals, but as one team. 🩵

🩵

30/09/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙎𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙍'𝙎 𝙑𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙎 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙃𝙄𝙍𝘿 𝙄𝙉𝙏𝙀𝙍-𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙑𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝘽𝙀𝙉𝘾𝙃𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙄𝙉𝙄𝙏𝙄𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙑𝙀 𝙊𝙉 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙉𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝙎𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙍 𝙋𝙍𝙊-𝙃𝙀𝘼𝙇𝙏𝙃 𝘾𝙊𝙉𝙎𝙄𝙂𝙉𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝘼𝙂𝙀𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙎𝙔𝙎𝙏𝙀𝙈, 𝙁𝙊𝙇𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙑𝙄𝙎𝙄𝙏𝙎 𝘽𝙔 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙑𝙄𝙉𝘾𝙄𝘼𝙇 𝙂𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙉𝙈𝙀𝙉𝙏𝙎 𝙊𝙁 𝙎𝘼𝙍𝘼𝙉𝙂𝘼𝙉𝙄 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝘽𝘼𝙏𝘼𝘼𝙉

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH), welcomed the Provincial Government of Samar and Samar Provincial Hospital for a two-day Joint Collaborative Initiative on September 28–29, 2026, at the NSPH Conference Room.

Samar’s visit marks the third inter-provincial benchmarking initiative on the Northern Samar Pro-Health Consignment Management System, following visits by the Provincial Governments of Sarangani and Bataan. These exchanges highlight growing interest in the system as a model for strengthening health supply chains and ensuring reliable access to medicines and medical supplies.

The Samar delegation included representatives from Treasury, Accounting, Budget, Internal Audit, Procurement, General Services, Legal, and hospital administration, reflecting the coordinated approach needed to establish and sustain consignment operations. Dr. Joseph A. Estanislao, MBAH, Chief of Hospital II, welcomed the delegation. Dr. Magea A. Robis, Therapeutic Chairman of the Consignment Management Committee (CMC), and Ms. Eve L. Legion, MPA, SAO and Division Chief of the PHO Health Systems Support Division, led discussions on the system’s operational framework, processes, and implementation. Joining the discussions were Dr. Ma. Aurora Dubongco-Vicencio, CMC Chairperson and Provincial Health Officer II; Atty. Adah Gwynne P. Tobes, Provincial Legal Officer; Kirstien Miranda, OIC Assistant Provincial Accountant; Sannie C. Porteza, Acting Provincial Treasurer, and Dr. Glenn Anthony M. Luzano, Head of NSPH Ancillary Services.

Department visits, warehouse and pharmacy walkthroughs, and a consultation forum gave participants a closer look at actual operations. Ms. Legion demonstrated the Point-of-Sale (POS) system at the Consignment Warehouse and NSPH Pharmacy and explained the consignment mechanism process flow, with the corresponding manual provided as a reference. Open discussions enabled participants to clarify procedures, exchange perspectives, and explore opportunities to adapt Northern Samar’s practices to Samar’s health facilities.The activity concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Ma. Aurora Dubongco-Vicencio, PGDH, Provincial Health Officer II, emphasizing collaboration in strengthening health systems and improving service delivery.

Sustained under the leadership of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan, the initiative carries forward the commitment expressed by former Governor and now Northern Samar 2nd District Congressman Edwin Marino C. Ongchuan: “Sustainable access to medicines is not a privilege—it is a public health right that must be protected for every generation.”

Through continued knowledge sharing and inter-provincial collaboration, Northern Samar’s consignment experience provides a practical reference for provinces pursuing sustainable access to medicines and responsive health care.

24/09/2026

𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝐇𝐈𝐕. 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐄𝐋𝐅. 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒. 🤍

Join us today, Friday, September 25, 2026, from 11:15–11:45 AM on DYSM Aksyon Radyo, as Mr. Emmanuel A. Tijares, RM, STI/HIV-AIDS Prevention and Control Program Coordinator and Case Manager, shares important information on HIV prevention, treatment, and support services, including the PhilHealth Outpatient HIV/AIDS Treatment (OHAT) Package and how to access it.

Tune in to Aksyon Radyo Catarman 972 and be part of the conversation toward greater awareness, understanding, and access to HIV services.

Let’s talk, learn, and help build a more informed and supportive community.

11/09/2026

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐬𝐲𝐨 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐥, 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢, 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐭, 𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐛𝐚 𝐩𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐲𝐨!

Para sa mga Nortehanon, magkakamay-ada kita sin libre nga serbisyo medikal, dental ngan iba pa nga social services pinaagi san Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat caravan nga paghihimuon yana nga Setyembre 14, 2026, Lunes sa Capitol Gym, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Adi an mga serbisyo nga poyde matagamtaman:

PHO ngan NSPH
• Libre nga Check-up o Konsulta sa doktor
• Mobile X-ray ngan Mobile Clinic
Libre nga gabot
• Libre nga medisina
• Libre nga Pneumococcal Vaccination para sa may edad 60 anyos paigbaw
• Breastfeeding Kits distribution
• Blood Donation Drive
• HPV Vaccination kontra Cervical Cancer para sa may edad 9 tubtob 14 anyos nga babaye

PHILHEALTH
• PhilHealth Registration ngan Updating
• YAKAP Registration
• Membership Registration
• Correction of Basic Information
• ID ngan MDR Printing

DOH
• Assistive devices distribution
• Libre nga medisina
• Health Education ngan Promotion

Department of Education (DepEd)
• Bulig sa Serbisyo Medikal

Provincial Population Office (PPO)
• Family planning counselling ngan family planning commodities

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
• AICS 2nd Tranche UPLIFT Payout para sa 1,039 beneficiaries
• Supplementary Feeding Program Awarding of Kitchen Utensils Certificates

Philippine Red Cross
• First Aid
• Hot Meals
• Welfare Desk and Vital Signs Checking
• Education campaign

RHU Catarman
• Consultation

Biogenerics Pharmacy
• GAMOT Pharmacy (dispensing of prescribed GAMOT medicines)

Mayaon liwat iba pa nga libre nga serbisyo sugad san san turi ngan arot tikang sa 803RD IB, Philippine Army ngan DOJ - Parole and Probation Office.

Ini nga programa nagtutumuyo nga mapahirani an serbisyo san gobyerno ngadto sa tawo.

Sanglit pahimulusan ta ini nga higayon, pumakadto sa Capitol Gym yana nga Lunes, Setyembre 14, 2026.

11/09/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙎𝙏𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙂𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙉𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙋𝙇𝙄𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙀, 𝘼𝘿𝙑𝘼𝙉𝘾𝙄𝙉𝙂 𝙈𝘼𝙏𝙀𝙍𝙉𝘼𝙇 𝘼𝙉𝘿 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝘽𝙊𝙍𝙉 𝘾𝘼𝙍𝙀 𝙄𝙉 𝙉𝙊𝙍𝙏𝙃𝙀𝙍𝙉 𝙎𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙍

The KOICA Maternal Newborn Child Health Project conducted the activity “Pathway to Compliance: Streamlining Birthing Center Licensing and Sustainable PhilHealth Accreditation” on September 10, 2026, at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Northern Samar.

The activity brought together representatives from the province’s Rural Health Units, Local Government Units, PhilHealth, DOH, and other partner offices to discuss the importance of licensing, accreditation, and compliance in strengthening the delivery of maternal and newborn health services.

The activity was welcomed by Dr. Maria Aurora D. Vicencio, Provincial Government Department Head – Provincial Health Office, followed by a Special Message and Message of Support from Provincial Governor of Northern Samar, Hon. Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan.

The discussions highlighted key updates and processes on DOH standards for birthing facilities, licensing and accreditation, PhilHealth packages, and how compliance can contribute to better health outcomes. These were presented by Mr. Rikki Marion C. Royandoyan, Development Management Officer IV, Provincial DOH Office, and Ms. Joanna C. Manalili, Chief Social Insurance Officer, PhilHealth.

Adding a practical perspective to the discussions, participating RHUs also shared their experiences and best practices. RHU Bobon, through Dr. Henry Novales; RHU Lavezares, through Dr. Nida B. Lim; RHU Catarman, headed by Dr. Blessie Dana Noroña; and RHU San Roque, through Ms. Analyn Mora, shared initiatives and experiences that may serve as learning points for other facilities.

A meaningful part of the activity was the Open Forum, where participants were given the opportunity to raise questions, clarify concerns, and exchange insights on the topics discussed.

To cap the activity, Dr. John Ezekiel T. Valera, Provincial Health Officer I, provided the synthesis and closing message, highlighting the key points and shared experiences throughout the day.

The activity, led and supported through the KOICA Maternal Newborn Child Health Project, was facilitated in coordination with the Provincial Health Office (PHO) and other partner offices. It reflects the continuing collaboration among KOICA, PHO, DOH, PhilHealth, LGUs, RHUs, and other health partners in strengthening compliance and supporting quality, accessible, and sustainable maternal and newborn health services in Northern Samar.

Photos credits to the Provincial Information Office of Northern Samar