The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — Employees of the Department of Health (DOH) backed the agency’s reform programs and expressed support for Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation in delivering healthcare services to Filipinos. In a statement Tuesday, the National DOH Employees Association (NADEA), which is comprised of about 53,000 rank-and-file employees of the agency, said they support the Health chief’s “dedication, integrity, and clear strategic vision for a stronger and more responsive health system.” NADEA, led by Louella Jeanne Lao, noted that the DOH’s Agenda 1: Bawat Pilipino ramdam and kalusugan (Every Filipino feels healthy) has significantly expanded access to primary healthcare services, helped ease congestion in hospitals, and reduced financial barriers that often prevent Filipinos from seeking timely medical treatment. “These initiatives collectively represent a major reform in strengthening the continuum of care—from community-based services to hospital-level interventions—thereby making universal healthcare more tangible and meaningful for the Filipino people,” it said. The group also underscored support for “Agenda 7: Kapakanan at Karapatan ng Health Workers,” which focuses on improving the welfare, protection, and professional dignity of healthcare personnel. NADEA added that Herbosa has shown “strong support for the welfare of health workers” through expanded benefit packages for DOH employees, the implementation of Collective Negotiation Agreement benefits, and other measures aimed at strengthening worker protection and welfare. “The actions affirm the recognition that health workers are the backbone of the country’s healthcare system,” it added. However, the group also acknowledged that internal controversies and conflicts within the DOH affect frontline workers. “Disunity, internal conflicts, and unnecessary distractions weaken the Department and risk undermining the collective mission of delivering quality healthcare to the Filipino people,” it said. NADEA called for greater solidarity within the agency, stressing that effective healthcare delivery depends on institutional stability and collective action. “The health of every Filipino lies in unity. This is not the time to be divided, this is a time to act in unison,” it said in Filipino.
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