(Photo by PIA)
NAVOTAS CITY – The Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, commonly known as Tala Hospital, is working toward achieving the Proficiency Stage of the Performance Governance System (PGS) after attaining Compliant status earlier this year.
Hospital officials and members of its Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) discussed strategic priorities, performance targets, and community initiatives during their third-quarter meeting as the institution moves closer to becoming a fully institutionalized, world-class medical center.
The council, chaired by Philippine Information Agency-National Capital Region (PIA-NCR) Regional Director Emver Cortez, also welcomed three new members to strengthen partnerships with government agencies and environmental organizations.
The new members are Bureau of Quarantine Director Roberto Salvador Jr., Bureau of Soils and Water Management Director Denise Solano, and Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. President June Alvarez.
Medical Center Chief Dr. Alfonso Victorino Famaran Jr. recognized the council’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in improving patient care and expanding the hospital’s community services.
Meanwhile, Dr. Maryll Abaño, chief of medical and professional services, said advancing to the Proficiency Stage requires the hospital to extend its initiatives beyond its traditional healthcare responsibilities.
Established in 2023, the council has supported several programs combining healthcare, environmental sustainability, and community development.
Among these is a hydroponic greenhouse facility that produces fresh, pesticide-free vegetables for patients. The hospital describes the project as the first urban farm of its kind within a Metro Manila hospital.
Tala Hospital has also promoted inclusive employment by providing community-based work opportunities for cancer survivors, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable sectors.
Through the Department of Labor and Employment’s TUPAD program, community workers help maintain and expand the hospital’s green spaces.
During the meeting, council members assessed the performance indicators and requirements necessary to advance to the next PGS level.
Cortez encouraged stakeholders to develop additional programs that strengthen the hospital’s public service mission. He also committed PIA-NCR’s support through strategic communications training to promote the institution’s governance initiatives and healthcare achievements.
The PGS, developed by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia, is a management framework designed to help public institutions achieve measurable improvements in governance and service delivery.
It consists of four stages: Initiation, Compliance, Proficiency, and Institutionalization.
The Proficiency Stage focuses on integrating strategic performance measures into daily operations, while Institutionalization emphasizes sustained results and long-term organizational improvements.
Hospital officials said the continued expansion of partnerships and community programs supports Tala Hospital’s goal of delivering quality healthcare while promoting environmental sustainability and inclusive development.