SLSU - MCC students participates to G-Watch, PRO Health's Annual Awareness Campaign on Health-Related Issues

G-Watch, an independent national action research organization that focuses on deepening democracy by boosting citizens' empowerment, recently conducted its annual awareness campaign on a specific topic: health-related issues and services. The half-day awareness campaign was held on February 23, 2024, at the Our Lady of Assumption Parish (OLAP) Conference Area, disseminating relevant information on improving access to public health. Guided by the theme "Ako, Ikaw, Tayo ay may Pananagutan," it emphasizes everyone's participation and involvement in mainstreaming issues concerning the health sector in the Philippines. The activity has attendees from different educational and government institutions in the locality of Maasin City; students from The College of Maasin, Maasin City National High School, Southern Leyte State University-Maasin City Campus, and medical staff from the City Health Unit (CHU) actively joined the campaign.

The Annual Awareness Campaign went into detail, displaying data on health services available in the province of Southern Leyte and the city of Maasin. The data depicts health services provided to the public and the deficiencies of health facilities or stations regarding medical equipment and supplies. Dr. Francilisa I. Tan, City Health Officer of CHU I, graced the said activity by inculcating the health services offered and made available at the CHU and other health-related services concerning family care. Mental health awareness among adolescents was also raised during the awareness campaign to underscore the prevalent and increasing number of cases of teenagers making suicidal attempts. Recommendations were crafted by G-Watch volunteers to enhance health care services to be lobbied to the duty bearers to be provided with appropriate actions. One of the recommendations proposed by the volunteers is to mandate regular training for the barangay health workers to shape them into equipped public servants in the health setting. During the activity, an open forum allowed students from various educational institutions to contribute their opinions and experiences on improving the country's healthcare system.

SDG #3, Good Health and Well-Being, stands as the ideal framework for upholding accessible, quality healthcare services, especially for individuals who belong to the grassroots level. The said activity is also embedded in Article 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that the public should acquire quality health and education. G-Watch aims to build camaraderie between duty bearers and right holders, form an alliance, and develop government-citizen cooperation, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration between the state and the public.