Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria reported significant strides of his administration in the field of health and tourism in his State of the Province Address on Monday.
Speaking at the Negros Oriental Convention Center here, Sagarbarria said his administration relentlessly worked hard to address issues and concerns after seeing the people “hungry for change.”
“Today, I stand before you with immense pride and gratitude, witnessing how we have not only risen but have gone further than what many expected,” he said during his first State of the Province Address since assuming the governorship.
Among the significant accomplishments is the award they received from the Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) as the most responsive health facility in region, owing to its electronic referral system.
The DOH-7 also recognized Negros Oriental for its trainings on Basic Life Support, especially for physicians, nurses and other hospital staff.
“We make sure that all our physicians (will receive) advanced cardio life support training,” Sagarbarria said.
On health care infrastructure at the Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital (NOPH), the province constructed a four-story annex building; built a solid waste facility for proper hospital waste disposal and management; and renovated and improved the dietary building and north wing facility.
The governor highlighted the new four-story dialysis center at the NOPH to be completed in three months and which can accommodate 200 patients daily with 30 new machines.
Each session will cost an affordable PHP1,000, lower than the usual rate of about PHP2,500, he said.
Finally, in three months, the provincial government will break ground for its “most ambitious” and “monumental” project, the Negros Oriental Medical City.
It is an eight-story, 400-bed building on a two-hectare property in Barangay Piapi that would include heart and cancer centers.
Sagarbarria also underscored the more-than-double tourist arrivals this year at 356,245, as compared to 122,407 visitors the previous year.
“This surge in visitors underscores the allure of Negros Oriental as a premier destination. And like I mentioned, this number isn’t just a statistic—it signifies a major economic boost.”
The Governor said that if each tourist spent just Php 8,000 on average during their visit, that would mean approximately 2.8 billion pesos was introduced to our local economy.
He also lauded the tourism roadshows in Negros Oriental, saying the were a huge success after being introduced to at least 15 local government units (LGUs) in the province.
“This initiative not only celebrates but actively promotes our rich heritage and local culture through vibrant performing arts, strengthening our community’s connection to its roots while showcasing our cultural wealth to visitors,” he said.
Another program, the Tourism Industry Skills Program, also provided the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence Trainings to 1,500 tourist-oriented drivers and frontliners.
On the other hand, the conduct of Familiarization Tours to several travel and tour operators from all over Luzon and the Visayas. These tours help showcase the province’s offerings as well as increase the visibility and attractiveness of Negros Oriental as a top tourist destination in the country and in the world, he said.
The governor also made mention of the landmark event this year – the 100th Year Celebration of the Provincial Capitol Building – along with the unveiling and installation of a historical marker by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (Judy F. Partlow with a report from PTO)
