November 20, 2020 | Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman convenes the City Local Health Board for its last quarter meeting for the year, Friday afternoon, at 4th Floor Infirmary Building, City Hall Complex, this city.

During the meeting, Mayor Dadah Hataman lauded the City Health Office headed by Dr. Mohrein Ismael VI which played a major part for LGU-Isabela City’s recognition as a trailblazer in COVID-19 response in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region. LGU Isabela City was commended by the RIATF CODE TEAM for its best practices and unique local initiatives during the Townhall Meeting and assessment conducted last November 6, 2020.

Dr. Ismael presented the COVID-19 situation in Isabela City with high recovery rate of 94% and 2% death rate only leaving 4% active cases or 7 Confirmed COVID-19 cases as of November 20, 2020. Dr. Ismael also summarized the COVID-19 response of LGU-Isabela City which include Prevention, Detection, Isolation, Treatment and Recovery that contributed to the low confirmed cases in the city. However, he reminded everyone. especially those who are in the local government not to relax and continue to practice the public minimum health standards set by the government and to strictly monitor the implementation of COVID-19 protocols by the different local private establishments in the city.

Another highlight discussed during the meeting was the passing of a resolution to adopt Malacanang’s Administrative Order No. 35 authorizing the grant of hazard duty pay to human resources for health serving in the frontlines during the state of national emergencies. This is funded under RA 11496 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

In addition to this, a motion was made on the recognition of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) who are above 65 years old to receive additional incentives at the end of the year. According to CHO, there are currently 18 BHWs who are above 65 years old and will be retiring at the end of the year.

Also in attendance is Councilor Hon. Allan Richie Biel who talked about the recently passed city ordinance providing for the prevention, control, reduction, and mitigation of mosquito-borne diseases in the city. According to the Councilor who authored the said ordinance, it is basically about encouraging our constituents to regularly maintain the cleanliness of the city to prevent any dengue outbreak.

Before concluding, Mayor Dadah happily announced to the members of the local health board the soon to operate City Isolation Facility located at Barangay Sumagdang which can accommodate more than 50 patients. She also added that the COVID-19 Testing Laboratory of CHO located at the old CDRRMO area is now under construction and hopefully will be completed by the end of the year.

#HAPIsabela