19/08/2026
Orientation on the Local Health Board (LHB) Guidebook for C/MLGOOs of South Cotabato
The Provincial Department of Health Office – South Cotabato, under the leadership of Marilou Barbara T. Libatique, MD, MCH, DMO V/PDOHO-SC, conducted an Orientation on the Local Health Board (LHB) Guidebook on August 18, 2026, at Habi Hotel, City of Koronadal, South Cotabato.
The activity aimed to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the C/MLGOOs on the mandate, organization, and functions of the LHB, and its vital role in strengthening local health governance.
The Orientation commenced with the Acknowledgment of Participants led by Outcome Manager Jermie A. Erie-Yeager, followed by a Welcome Message and Message of Support from our Provincial Director, Hayd-Ali S. Suwaib. His message highlighted the importance of collaboration, coordination, and active participation among stakeholders in ensuring effective local health governance and the delivery of quality health services.
The orientation featured the presentation of the Background and Rationale of the LHB Guidebook by Dr. Marilou Barbara T. Libatique, MD, MCH, DMO V/PDOHO-SC. This was followed by discussions on Chapter 1: Legal Foundations of the LHB and Chapter 2: Organizing the LHB and Functions of the LHB, presented by Ms. Mary Agnes A. Panton, RN, MPA, DMO IV.
The succeeding session on Chapter 3: Functions of the LHB was presented by Mr. Mohammad Zein B. Kali, RN, MPA, DMO IV, providing participants with a deeper appreciation of the responsibilities and functions of the LHB in local health planning, coordination, policy development, and implementation of health programs and services.
Overall, the undertaking served as a meaningful avenue for strengthening the capacity of stakeholders and promoting a better understanding of the Local Health Board as a key mechanism for collaborative and responsive local health governance. Through strengthened partnership and shared responsibility, stakeholders remain committed to advancing accessible, quality, and sustainable health services for the people of South Cotabato.