Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson led the blessing and inauguration of the Provincial Health Office Supply Chain Management Warehouse at Gatuslao Street in Bacolod City on Wednesday morning, Feb. 4.
Lacson described the facility as a proactive response to one of the most important aspects of healthcare delivery, ensuring the continuous availability and accessibility of medical commodities in strong support of the implementation of Universal Health Care in the province.
He said that by improving storage, inventory monitoring, and distribution processes, the province can reduce shortages, prevent wastage, and enhance reliability throughout the healthcare network.
The facility, which includes cold chain storage, serves as a central hub for the safe storage, inventory control, and efficient distribution of medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies to health facilities and provincial government–run hospitals in Negros Occidental.
It aims to ensure uninterrupted health services, adherence to proper quality standards, and rapid response, especially during public health emergencies.
Joining Lacson at the inauguration were Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Mary Ann Maestral, DOH–NIR Regional Director Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
Maestral said that the supply chain warehouse is required under the Universal Health Care program and she is happy that the Negros Occidental provincial government surpassed the required DOH standards.
The facility has met the prescribed temperature for the storage of medicines, she said, adding that the DOH has provided the provincial government with medicines.
Hao said that the investment in the facility is not merely an infrastructure decision but a governance choice consistent with high standards, reflecting discipline and foresight in how health services are supported beyond programs and personalities.
Diaz said the facility marks another important milestone for the province, strengthening its capacity to support local health offices and ensuring that constituents receive timely and reliable resources to effectively implement public health goals.*
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