THE Dagupan Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Belen Fernandez, on behalf of the city, to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Health–Ilocos Center for Health Development (DOH-ICHD), represented by Regional Director Paula Paz Sydiongco, for the implementation of the 2025 Healthy Settings Program on Behavioral Nudges for Hand Hygiene.

Authored by Councilors Jalice Cayabyab and Michael Fernandez, Resolution No. R-160 cited Republic Act No. 11223, or the Universal Health Care Act, which mandates that province- and city-wide health systems must include a primary care provider network with accessible patient records, reliable epidemiological surveillance systems, and proactive health promotion programs.

It also referenced Section 30 of the UHC Act, which requires local government units, guided by the Health Promotion Framework Strategy, to implement health promotion policies and programs that encourage health literacy, healthy lifestyles, and disease prevention among their constituents.

The resolution further noted that a sub-allotment of ₱1 million has been provided by DOH-ICHD for the implementation of the Healthy Settings Program for Calendar Year 2025 in Dagupan City.

Another resolution, also authored by Councilors Cayabyab and Fernandez, authorized Mayor Fernandez to sign a separate MOU with DOH-ICHD for the implementation of another 2025 Healthy Settings Program focusing on Peer Support Groups for the Youth.

For this second program, DOH-ICHD allotted ₱2.2 million for its implementation in Dagupan City as part of the continuing rollout of the Universal Health Care Program. (Leonardo Micua)