Issue No. 67 - November to December 2011 - DOH

HEALTHbeatDEPARTMENTOF HEALTH - National Center for Health Promotion2F Bldg. 18, San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila 1003, PhilippinesTel. No. (63-2) 743-8438 Email: healthbeat@ymail.comDoing Desiderata“Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence...”This is the first line of Max Ehrmann’s famous poem, “Desiderata.” Is this what theDepartment of Health is doing nowadays?!?Since after EDSA Revolution I in the mid-80’s, the DOH led the pack of government agenciesas the most active and very visible in providing and promoting services to the people. Ithas topped social and people surveys, satisfaction ratings as well as international studiesas THE best performing agency several times. It is also well known for being a “trainingground” for political wannabes, and has successfully seated a health secretary in theSenate. Secretaries come and go, but they left becoming household names.Those days are gone now, but it does not mean that the DOH has stopped performing itsfunctions well. It’s just that Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona seemingly chooses to stay out ofthe limelight, and he is seen facing the media only when serious health issues arise. The bigchunk of his time is diligently spent in fulfilling universal health insurance coverage withinthree years, meeting the country’s targets in the Millennium Development Goals by 2015, andlaying out plans and programs to better enhance government health facilities and services.Sadly, these are health issues that have not been truly prioritized by previous administrations.Moreso, these are issues that are not so popular in the news.Silently as it may seem, the DOH has already built the foundation of bringing health, especiallyto low-income and indigent families, who are still the great majority of the population. Fortoday’s DOH, becoming superficially popular takes a back seat, and turning into a driving forcethat delivers the most wanting policies and programs takes the stand.The Desiderata ends with the lines, “With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still abeautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.”Have a truly blessed Chirstmas and a happy new year.– The EditorsEditors-in ChiefManaging EditorStaff WritersCover DesignGraphics DesignPhotographerContributorsCirculationEditorial BoardIrma L. Asuncion, MD, MHA, CESO IVRosemarie G. AguirreAnthony R. RodaMay Elenor R. de GuzmanDonato Dennis B. MagatElizabeth G. MascareňasGlen S. RamosDiosdado G. Angeles, Jr.Joerem P. CeriaPaquito P. RepelenteJoerem P. CeriaRiza C. De Leon, MDTato S. Usman, MDDOH-NCHPProduction, Disseminationand Collection SectionThis issue is dedicated in memory of HEALTHbeat staff, FEDELINO "Nong" MENDOZA.(See our tribute on page 32.)FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE.Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the DOH. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturer’s products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommendedby the DOH in preference to others of similar nature. Articles may be reproduced in full or in part without prior permission, provided credit is given to the DOH for original pieces. A copy of the reprinted or adaptedversion will be appreciated. Articles, artworks, photographs, caricatures, letters and other contributions are most welcome. Materials will be edited for clarity and space. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned.Contributors must indicate their names and addresses.4 HEALTHbeat I November - December 2011