Recognizing the role of public health in attaining real and inclusive progress in Davao City, mayoralty candidate Karlo Nograles outlines his plan to create an effective local health system that ensures easy and affordable access to health and medical services especially for the poor.
“As of now, Davao is a large city where healthcare is available— but not always accessible. Now is the time to invest in a local health system that works—barangay by barangay, family by family,” said Nograles.
The longtime public servant pointed out that health is not merely about the provision of hospitals and other health and medical facilities, but also includes constant presence, prevention, and public trust, as he lamented that even now far too many communities still lack access to basic healthcare services.
“Maraming Dabawenyo, kailangan pang bumyahe dahil walang maayos na health center sa kanilang komunidad.”
Nograles shared his vision for the city, which includes expanding barangay health stations, deploying more nurses and midwives, and building a citywide health map to track gaps and target solutions.
The former chair of the Civil Service Commission emphasized the need to address the various inconveniences and inequities faced by poor Dabawenyos, from having to shell out money for transportation and other out-of-pocket costs even for common illnesses.
According to Nograles, “maraming Dabawenyo, kailangan pang bumyahe dahil walang maayos na health center sa kanilang komunidad, o di kaya napapagastos pa rin kahit sa mga karaniwang sakit dahil kulang sa medisina at iba pang medical supplies ang health facility. Ang mga ganitong expenses ay kayang-kaya sanang saluhin ng City Government dahil marami naman itong pondo.”
Nograles also bared his plan to instill a “prevention and early treatment mindset” among Dabawenyos, as he emphasized that “Dabawenyos are the City Government’s partners in public health management.”
“As heat intensifies and water supplies tighten, diseases like diarrhea, dengue, and heat stroke become more common—especially among children and seniors. These illnesses are preventable, but only if there is consistent public health messaging, clean water access, and responsive frontline care.”
Nograles was co-chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that led the country’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
“If we are to have buy-in from our communities, we have to gain their trust. They must see City Hall as a responsive institution they can turn to for all aspects of health, from information to consultation to treatment and infrastructure that will encourage them to pursue and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” he added.
The former lawmaker also said that a crucial part of his agenda is addressing the hunger problem side by side with public health. As the former head of the Task Force on Zero Hunger, Nograles said a key insight he had gained is that the issues on hunger and health are intertwined.
Noting that a “child who is well-fed but unvaccinated remains at risk, while a mother who receives food aid but cannot access prenatal care is still vulnerable,” Nograles underlined the need for continuity in public health, from feeding programs to regular check-ups, sanitation, and maternal care.
Nograles was co-chair of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) that led the country’s COVID-19 pandemic response. In that role he had to work with various departments to manage health systems confronting an unprecedented public health crisis.
