The Cordillera Region posted improvements in the health sector in 2018, according to DOH-CAR and Regional Social Development Sector Vice-Chairperson Director Amelita Pangilinan.

During the Kapihan on the State of the Region Address 2019, held on August 13, 2019,  Director Pangilinan reported that there was a reduction in the region’s number of maternal, neonatal and under-five deaths in 2018, compared to the figures posted in the previous year. 

She elaborated by saying that maternal deaths decreased by 3.2 percent from the 43 percent posted in 2017.  The same is also true for under-five and neonatal mortality rates which decreased by 1.4 and 0.1, respectively,  from the previous year’s figures.

In terms of nutrition, a reduction in the prevalence of overweight, wasting and stunting of children 0 to 5 years old was also noted.  Further, there was an increase in the proportion of Cordillera households who had access to a sanitary toilet facility.

The DOH chief also said the region has reason to look forward to further improvements in the region’s health status with the continued and intensified implementation of the following laws and government programs:

1. Universal Health Care Law (RA 11223) which will improve access to health care services;
2. National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP) which is expected to accelerate the demographic transition and maximize gains from demographic dividend
3. First 1,000 Days Program and Operation Timbang which is aimed at reducing infant mortality and improving nutrition; and
4. Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law which guarantees universal access to methods on contraception, fertility control, sexual education, and maternal care.

The Cordillera Regional Development Plan 2017-2022 provides that the desired overall outcome of the Sector on Social Development is to ensure that the region’s economic growth strategy results in improved quality of life and total human development of all Cordillerans. The plan, which is due for its midyear updating this year,  is operationalized through the six sectoral committees of the Cordillera Regional Development Council, which, aside from the Regional Social Development Committee, includes the Committees on Development Administration, Economic Development, Infrastructure Development, Watershed and Environmental Management, and Indigenous Peoples Concerns.



Written by Ma. Emelie Daquipil