One of the lead Agencies that have always been at its peak in implementing programs geared towards the wellness of every Filipino citizen is the Department of Health.  Parallel to the Agency’ objectives are their desire to provide affordable and quality health services to the marginalized population especially the elderly and Persons With Disabilities.

In coordination with Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, and People’s Organizations, the Department of Health instituted a national health program that provides an integrated health service for senior citizens.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development through the Listahanan or the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction has been encouraging Local Government Units and Partner Agencies to engage into a Memorandum of Agreement that would signify the sharing and utilization of data.

The National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or what is now known as Listahanan is an information management system that aims to establish a database of poor households that will become beneficiaries of social protection programs which is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

In response to DSWDs call for engagement, the Department of Health signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 10 last Nov. 16, 2011 which paved the way to addressing the necessary medical needs of  indigent senior citizens.

Through the data that was shared to them, the Department of Health was able to identify and   administer free vaccination against influenza virus and pneumococcal diseases to indigent senior citizens throughout region 10.  This is also the Department’s way of response to one of the provisions of RA 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

The Department was also able to access the database of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) per disability category which will be utilized as the basis for the Department of Health on the formulation of plans, programs, and services for them. (Mitzie S. Santiago-AAV)