PHO Catanduanes

28/08/2026

The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), through the Provincial Health Office (PHO), has officially deployed one (1) unit of the DigiHealth ATM (Automated Telehealth Machine) to Pandan District Hospital. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Provincial Governor, Hon. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, Ph.D., and our Provincial Health Officer II, Dr. Hazel A. Palmes, for their visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to bringing advanced, accessible healthcare services closer to the people of Pandan.

This all-in-one digital medical kiosk is designed to revolutionize local healthcare delivery by providing rapid health diagnostics and connecting our patients seamlessly with specialized physicians.

Key Features of the DigiHealth ATM
• Fast Diagnostics: Checks more than 50 clinical parameters in seven minutes or less.

• Core Medical Tests: Measures vital signs, blood sugar, hemoglobin, and performs instant electrocardiograms (ECGs).

• Teleconsultation: Connects patients to physicians via video calls for remote medical advice and instant online prescriptions.

• Digital Records: Automatically saves patient data into a secure, built-in Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.

• Offline Operation: Engineered to function reliably in remote areas even during periods of limited electricity or internet access.

• Uninterrupted Operation: Equipped with a built-in battery that allows it to function reliably even during brownouts or power outages.

Current Deployment Status and Infrastructure

• Staff Readiness: Pandan District Hospital healthcare personnel and staff successfully completed intensive training and orientation on the proper operation of the kiosk last July 1, 2026, prior to its installation.

• Connectivity: Robust internet infrastructure is fully set up. The machine utilizes the hospital's existing iHOMIS network, augmented by DICT-facilitated Wi-Fi connectivity and additional network support from the PLGU.

Next Steps for Full Utilization

While the hardware, connectivity, and human resources are fully prepared, the hospital is currently finalizing key administrative requirements to guarantee seamless service integration:

1. PhilHealth Integration: The hospital has officially applied to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) to utilize the machine and is currently awaiting the issuance of the official PHIC Cipher Key.

2. Service Agreement: We are awaiting the final Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) from DigiHealth.

Digihealth Memorandum of Agreement from Digihealth is necessary to apply for cipher key from Philhealth. Applying for cipher key using Philhealth’s Account and Cipher Key request Form (ACKRF) is required to fully operationalize the Digihealth Clinic Management system for secure electronic data encryption and Philhealth Integration.

The DigiHealth ATM will be fully activated for public use immediately upon the receipt of these final administrative clearances. We thank the PLGU, the PHO, and our community for your continued support and patience as we modernize healthcare services at Pandan District Hospital.

21/08/2026

17/08/2026

💉 MR SIA CONTINUES — DAY 5! ❤️

The Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) for Visayas and Luzon Phase III continues on its 5th day, and the Province of Catanduanes is currently in 4th spot! 🏆👏

Meanwhile, Bicol Region continues to maintain the highest rank! 👏🏆❤️

Kung hindi man natin na-maintain ang top spot, the ranking is not our ultimate measure of success. What truly matters is our ultimate goal:

❤️ NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! ❤️

Every child vaccinated is a life protected. Every barangay reached brings us one step closer to our goal. Every effort of our health workers, BHWs, volunteers, LGUs, and partners truly counts.

Go, Catanduanes! 💪❤️
Let us continue reaching every eligible child, wherever they may be.

Together, let us make every child count. 💉👶❤️


/PHOCatanduanes

17/08/2026

🏆 CATANDUANES LEADS THE FIRST 2 DAYS OF MR SIA!

A proud moment for Catanduanes! 💉❤️

For the first two days of the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) under the Luzon and Visayas Phase III implementation, the Province of Catanduanes garnered the highest spot! 🏆👏

This achievement is a testament to the dedication, commitment, teamwork, and hard work of our PLGU through the Provincial Health Office, Municipal Health Offices, health workers, Barangay Health Workers, volunteers, LGUs, and all our partners.

To our health warriors across the province—SALAMAT PO! 🙏❤️ Your tireless efforts to reach every eligible child truly make a difference.

But the work continues. Let us keep the momentum and make sure that NO CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND! 💪💉

Together, let us protect our children from measles and rubella. ❤️


/PHOCatanduanes

17/08/2026

📣 LATE UPLOAD | MR SIA KICK-OFF ACTIVITIES IN CATANDUANES

Sharing some of the highlights from the Measles-Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR SIA) Kick-Off held on August 10, 2026 in some municipalities of Catanduanes. 💉❤️

The MR SIA aims to protect our children 6 months to 59 months old against measles and rubella and help ensure that NO CHILD IS LEFT BEHIND. 👶✨

Our heartfelt appreciation to all the Municipal Health Offices, health workers, barangay health workers, volunteers, local government units, and partners who continue to work together to reach every eligible child in our province.

📍 MR SIA Implementation: August 10–28, 2026
👶 Target: Children 6–59 months old
💉 Goal: Protect every eligible child from measles and rubella

Parents and caregivers, bring your eligible children to your nearest Rural Health Unit or vaccination post. Let us work together for a safer, healthier Catanduanes!

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! 💪💉❤️

17/08/2026

Sharing the PHO Anti-Bullying Awareness Lecture, conducted together with All Hands and Hearts, promoting kindness, respect, and a safer environment for everyone.

03/08/2026

Happy Birthday, Dr. Hazel A. Palmes!

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with joy, good health, and countless blessings. Thank you for your dedicated leadership, unwavering commitment, and invaluable service to our community. May the year ahead bring you continued success, happiness, and fulfillment in all that you do.

Happy Birthday and best wishes always!

27/07/2026

Our heartfelt gratitude to UNFPA Philippines and the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) for the successful conduct of the Leadership and Governance for Social Protection, Inclusion, Gender Equality and Resilience in Action (LG4SIGLA) Training held on July 21–24, 2026 at eCrown Hotel, Virac, Catanduanes.

The training brought together leaders from the Municipalities of Virac, Caramoran, and Pandan, together with representatives from the Provincial Government of Catanduanes, to strengthen leadership and governance in advancing responsive, inclusive, and resilient local health systems.

LG4SIGLA empowers local leaders to champion programs that improve Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH), strengthen maternal health, prevent gender-based violence (GBV), advance Population and Development (PopDev), and enhance preparedness and implementation of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for Sexual and Reproductive Health in emergencies, ensuring that women, adolescents, and vulnerable populations continue to receive essential health services during crises.

As we move forward, may the lessons gained from this training inspire stronger collaboration, evidence-based decision-making, and sustained action toward healthier, safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities for every Catandunganon.

Maraming salamat, UNFPA and ZFF, for investing in the capacity of our local leaders and for your unwavering partnership in building a better future for our communities.