TUMAUNI, ISABELA – To address immediate medical concerns and emergency needs, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tumauini, Isabela thoughtfully utilized the incentives and grants provided by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in procuring diagnostic and medical equipment for residents and constructing an evacuation center for the northern barangays in Tumauini.
The LGU conducted a simple blessing and inauguration ceremony marking the official completion and unveiling of the diagnostic and medical equipment and evacuation center on March 4, 2024.
LGU Tumauini successfully acquired essential medical equipment through the FY 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance Incentive Fund (SGLG-IF). The purchased equipment includes one electrolyte analyzer machine, one chemistry analyzer machine, and one geneXpert TB-PCR machine, with a total amount of PhP 4,997,000.00. These state-of-the-art machines, allocated for the Tumauini Community Hospital (TCH), are expected to benefit 84,297 individuals in the municipality. This investment aims to augment the capabilities of the TCH laboratory, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to constituents and other clients seeking medical assistance.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Tumauini Community Hospital, the program continued at Barangay Fermeldy, where the newly completed evacuation center was inaugurated.
The 15 meter by 30 meter evacuation center has 10 rooms, 2 kitchens, separate toilet and bathroom for males and females, a specially designed toilet for PWDs, and additional amenities such as an administrative office, generator set, stockroom, laundry area, and a materials recovery facility (MRF). This infrastructure was funded through the FY 2022 Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU) amounting to PhP 20,000.000.00.
The blessing and inauguration of these projects were attended by DILG Assistant Regional Director Elpidio A. Durwin who represented Regional Director Agnes A. De Leon, Isabela Provincial Director Corazon D. Toribio, MLGOO Maricar M. Castro, and staff from the Regional and Provincial Project Development and Management Unit (PDMU) of the DILG Region 2 and Isabela. Local elective officials of LGU Tumauini, headed by Mayor Venus T. Bautista, LGU functionaries, and Barangay Fermeldy officials and residents also attended the ceremony.
ARD Durwin commended the LGU, led by Mayor Bautista, for the prudent use of the SGLG-IF in prioritizing and enhancing health services to promptly address the needs of Tumauinians. He applauded the LGU's foresight in providing a secure and temporary shelter for families and communities forced to evacuate during emergencies or disasters.
PD Toribio emphasized the responsibility of LGUs to maintain and effectively utilize the infrastructure projects funded by public taxes during her message. She highlighted the issue faced by some LGUs where completed infrastructures are not properly utilized and are subject to vandalism.
Responding to PD Toribio’s message, Mayor Bautista assured that the LGU would responsibly manage and maintain the granted projects. She expressed gratitude to the DILG for their continuous support, particularly for approving the completed projects. Mayor Bautista emphasized that the fulfillment of these projects continues to motivate the LGU to prioritize the needs of its constituents.
The evacuation center is anticipated to benefit a total of 3,453 families potentially at risk or facing actual danger in 10 low-lying northern barangays in Tumauni, namely Fugu Abajo, Fermeldy, Fugu Norte, Fugu Sur, Malamag East, Malamag West, Moldero, Sinippil, Sta. Catalina, and Tunggui.
IO II Louella Marie T. Pader
