THE SPIRIT of bayanihan was instrumental in bringing health services closer to communities last Sept. 13, 2025, during the Handog ng Pangulo caravan. In the Davao Region, DOH Davao took the lead in bringing health services to more than 20 sites, serving over 2,700 individuals on a Saturday.
As early as six in the morning, residents in Barangay Langgam, Maco, Davao de Oro, for example, eagerly lined up for free services such as medical consultations, vaccinations, maternal care, infectious disease screening, hypertension and diabetes consultations, physical therapy, and more.
The event highlighted that health is not only the work of doctors and nurses, but a shared responsibility carried by the whole community. Barangay officials, tanods, youth leaders, volunteers, and health workers worked hand-in-hand with health professionals to ensure that essential services reached those who needed them most.
DOH Davao OIC regional director Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo visited the Super Health Center in Mawab, Davao de Oro, where she witnessed the community’s strong participation in Handog ng Pangulo. In her message, DOH Davao regional director Dr. Ellenietta Gamolo emphasized the essence of bayanihan:
“Bayanihan is the instrument that makes health services truly reach our people. The strength of our health system is measured by how well we work hand-in-hand as one community,” she said.
Health services were offered in Southern Philippines Medical Center, DOH Davao Wellness Clinic (Gaisano Grand Citygate Mall Buhangin), Drug Abuse and Treatment Rehabilitation Center (Davao City Jail in Davao City), Davao Occidental General Hospital, Barangay Tanglad, Sta. Maria, Barangay Lais, Malita in Davao Occidental; Super Health Center Digos City, Super Health Center Matanao, Barangay Zone II, Digos City in Davao del Sur; and Davao Regional Medical Center (BUCAS, OPD Main, and Sawata) and Mankilam Tagum City in Davao del Norte.
A range of services was also offered in the Super Health Centers in Nabunturan and Mawab in Davao de Oro; and Barangay Central, Mati, Super Health Centers Mati, Boston, Lupon, and San Isidro in Davao Oriental. (DOH Davao PR)
