ORMOC CITY – On September 30, 2025, members of this city’s 17th Sangguniang
Panlungsod (SP) approved a resolution granting authority to the City Mayor
to enter into and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Unilab Foundation, Inc. and Gatchalian Medical Center for the implementation of health services and programs
in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA).
The resolution emphasized that the city government of Ormoc believes that the right to health must be for everyone, especially those who are living in GIDA. It also reads that the Unilab Foundation, Inc., as the corporate foundation of United Laboratories, Inc., is committed to advancing health and community development programs across the country, and through this partnership shall extend technical expertise, logistical support, and resource mobilization to strengthen health service delivery in GIDA.
Moreover, the Gatchalian Medical Center, a leading hospital in Ormoc City and part of Mount Grace Hospitals, Inc., is supportive of the City Government of Ormoc’s initiative on improving access tohealthcare in remote and disadvantaged communities.
Accordingly, Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 185, series of 2004, institutionalized the GIDA strategy to address inequities in access caused by physical and socio-economic barriers of vulnerable populations.
Barangays Manlilinao, Monterico, and Liberty in Ormoc City are classified as GIDAs by the DOH, during the joint committee meeting held on September 18, 2025. Barangay Manlilinao was recommended as the pilot site for the Implementation of the GIDA program. By Gwen Maurillo (EV Mail September 29-October 5, 2025 issue)
