The Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office MIMAROPA distributed 294 Philippine Health (PH) tablets to identified provincial health offices (PHO), city health offices (CHO), rural health units (RHU), and barangay health stations (BHS).
The PH tablet is a computer tablet provided by DOH MIMAROPA aimed to improve the capacities of health education and promotions officers (HEPO) to implement health promotion strategies, advocacy activities, and dissemination of accurate and updated information for MIMAROPANS. The tablets were distributed by DOH MIMAROPA during its Regional Health Education and Promotion Officer Summit last 29 to 31 August. One PH tablet is allocated for every health facility. The maintenance and utilization of the tablets are obligated to the recipients.
In the information age, digital media is playing an increasingly vital role in influencing our everyday activity. As of 2018, the Philippines is the 12th largest country in terms of population with internet access. Most of these users have internet access through mobile phones and tablets. Thus, the distribution of such tablets is expected to strengthen the cause of health education and promotion for the region.
In relation to the distribution, DOH MIMAROPA Regional Director Mario S. Baquilod said, “The tablets can be of use in disseminating information to the community. Such information can be helpful in influencing health-seeking behaviors of the people, since the first step in becoming healthy is for them to know how to achieve it.”
The PH tablet showcases and highlights the different DOH health promotion and communications programs to the rural areas. The Health Education and Promotion Unit, being the communication arm of DOH Regional Office MIMAROPA, aims to strengthen health promotion and communication strategies through such measures.