AKAB-HUB PROGRAM, or “AKING KALUSUGAN ATING PANGALAGAAN – HEALTH UNIFIED BODY”

The AKAP-HUB Program, or “Aking Kalusugan Ating Pangalagaan – Health Unified Body”, was launched under Governor Ed Gadiano’s leadership during his first term, beginning on July 16, 2020. The program was created to provide accessible and affordable healthcare serrvices to marginalized groups in Occidental Mindoro, such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), Indigenous Peoples (IPs), and beneficiaries of the Pantawid pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). In 2024, the program significantly streamlined the process of accessing financial assistance for healthcrae bills and introduces the No Balance Billintg Policy, allowing eligible patients to recieve essential healthcare services without the burden of additional charges. The program involves collaboration with six agencies: The Department of health – medical Assistance to Indigent Patients (DOH-MAIP), PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and the Red Cross. These agencies are collectively housed in the AKAP-HUB located in each of the seven government hospitald across the province. 

A key feature of the AKAP-HUB is the Bahay-Kanlungan project, an eight-room apartment located in Barangay Kumintang Ibaba, Batangas City, offering free accomodation to patients seeking medical care outside the province. Initially set up as a shelter as a shelter for Locally Stranded Individuals (LSI), the facility in 2024 accomodated 738 individuals while they received treatment. Bahay-Kanlungan is staffed with social workers who providie support to patients and their families during their stay. The total expenditure for medical bills in 2020 for those staying at bahay-Kanlungan was Php 910, 971.50, covering accomodation and related costs, with all services provided at no charge. The AKAP-HUB also became a comprehensive center for women, offering essential medicines, laboratory services, and healthcare support through its Comprehensive Health Services for Women initiative, which benefitted 1, 268 individuals in 2024. Additionally, healthcare cards were issued to heads of families to expedite assistance and improve service delivery. Through these combined efforts, the AKAP-HUB has been instrumental in improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations in the province. 

The Provincial Health Office (PHO), in collaboration with various agencies and in partnership with the seven community hospitals across Occidental Mindoro, spearheaded several health initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the province. The hospitals involved Occidental Mindoro Provincial Hospital (OMPH), Paluan Community Hospital (PCH), San Sebastian District Hospital (SSDH), Sta. Cruz Community Hospital (SCH), San Jose District Hospital (SJDH), Lubang District Hospital (LDH), and Abra de Ilog Municipal Hospital (ADIMH). These facilities provided essential healthcare services, including inpatient and outparuent care, laboratory services, and other health related programs. The PHO ensured that the hospitals met operational standards and played a key role in monitoring hospital bed accupancy and operaions to address the growing healthcare needs of the population. 

The PHO also focused on tackling the region’s most pressing health concerns. Among the most common cases seen in the Emergency Room (ER) were wound injuries, hypertensive diseases, and acute gastroenteritis, which contributed to a significant number of ER visits. These cases highlighted ongoing public health challenges that require continued attention and resources. In the Outpatient Department (OPD), frequest consultaions were due to animal bites and urinary tract infections (UTIs), both prevalent in the province and reflecting key health priorities. To address thses issues, the PHO implemented proactive measures, including health education and preventive care initiatives, aimed at reducing the accurrence of these conditions. 

The Local Housing Development and Management Section, through its ongoing urban development and housing initiatives, has remained dedicated to fostering community growth and supporting homeowners’ associations (HOAs) across Occidental Mindoro. The section has facilitated the registration and monitoring of HOAs, assisted with land dispute resolutions, and provided support for PAG-IBIG Fund-related concerns. Additionally, it has successfully organized and registered multiple neighborhood associations, ensuring their recognition by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development. 

Through quarterly meetings and capcity-building activities such as trainings and orientations, the section has strengthened homeowners’ associations by enhancing their leadership, financial management, and community engagement. The office has also played a key role in facilitating socialized housing programs and the Community Mortgage Program (CMP), focusing on affordable housing and land titling solutions. It conducted inspections of potential housing sites across municipalities to address land conflicts and title issues. A significant accomplishment of the section was the handog Titulo Program, which successfully awarded 221 Transfare Certificates of Title to beneficiaries, securing land tenure and promoting economic development. These initiatives, along with ongoing collaboration with homeowners’ associations, have contributed to sustainable community development and improved housing solutions in the rovince.