Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire bagged the celebrated Philippine Medical Association’s Dr. Jose P. Rizal Memorial Award in the Government Service Category, which annually recognizes outstanding Filipino physicians who uphold and practice the ideals of the national hero in Manila.
On its 32nd installment, Vergeire, was chosen through a rigorous process, evaluated by the board of judges of the medical body from across the country, along with other finalists working in the government sector.
“This award recognizes the DOH as a whole.”
The Health OIC received the distinction awarded by PMA officials headed by its President, Dr. Maria Minerva Calimag.
Serving as the spokesperson for the Department since the onset of the COViD-19 pandemic and now that the world is moving forward, Vergeire encouraged building on pandemic gains and building upon the country’s successes in hurdling the global health threat.
“This award recognizes the DOH as a whole. What we have embodied is a reflection of all the efforts, blood and sweat, of our healthcare workers and our government servants,” she said.
Vergeire also highlighted the need to fill the gaps and improve primary care, health infrastructure, health workforce capacity, as well as foster collaboration and partnership between the government and organizations.
“This fuels us to pursue what we have started, especially as we move forward from the pandemic. The PMA has always been one of our collaborators in advancing the goals of Universal Health Care and increasing equity in access,” she added.
“Magsisilbi itong inspirasyon upang paigtingin pa ang pagpapaabot ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na iyong mga nasa malalayong lugar at hirap sa pag-access ng mga ito.”
“Asahan po ninyo na itong pagkilalang ito ay magsisilbing inspirasyon upang paigtingin pa ang pagpapaabot ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na iyong mga nasa malalayong lugar at hirap sa pag-access ng mga ito. Muli, kami po ay taos-pusong nagpapasalamat sa PMA,” Vergeire concluded.
Other awards conferred are for the academe, clinical practice, community leadership, and research categories.
