HEALTH WORKERS. Some of 438 newly-deployed health professionals taking their oath during the 1st Human Resources for Health Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) at SMX Convention Center in Bacolod City on Thursday (Feb. 20, 2026). Among them are 245 nurses and 153 midwives assigned to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, low-income municipalities, and indigenous communities. (Photo courtesy of DOH-NIR)
BACOLOD CITY – The Department of Health-Negros Island Region (DOH-NIR) has deployed 438 newly-hired health professionals as part of the initiatives to strengthen primary health care services across the region.
In a report on Friday, the DOH-NIR said they are composed of 245 nurses, 153 midwives, 20 medical technologists, eight nutritionist-dietitians, six pharmacists, three physical therapists, and three dentists.
They are assigned to 63 local government units across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
The new hires took their oath during the 1st Human Resources for Health Oath-Taking Ceremony under the National Health Workforce Support System (NHWSS) at SMX Convention Center here on Thursday.
Health Undersecretary Mary Ann Palermo-Maestral, in a message read by officer-in-charge Assistant Regional Director Adrian Hort Ramos, told the newly-deployed health workers that they are taking on critical frontline roles in priority and underserved areas.
“You are stepping into the frontlines in the most priority areas –geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities, low-income municipalities, and indigenous populations. Your presence in these areas represents the Department of Health’s promise that no Filipino shall be left behind,” Maestral said.
Ramos also reminded them of their duty to uphold integrity, accountability, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
Dr. Mylene Infante, head of the DOH-NIR Health Facility Cluster, lauded the newly-hired health professionals for their significant role in strengthening primary health care services.
“Through strategic deployment under the NHWSS, the region moves closer to achieving a stronger, more equitable, and responsive health system for every Negrense and Siquijodnon,” she added.
The DOH-NIR announced the hiring of additional health personnel in October last year, as a newly established implementing agency with a direct General Appropriations Act allocation for calendar year 2026. (PNA)