In celebration of its 37th founding anniversary, the Department of the Interior and Local Government–National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) spearheaded “KawaniCare: DILG-NCR Wellness and Medical Services”, a health and wellness initiative designed to support the physical and mental well-being of its personnel from both the Regional and Field Offices. The activity was held at the 4th Floor, Annex Building, Sugar Center Compound, North Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City.

The initiative, led by the Regional Gender and Development Focal Point System (RGFPS), was developed in response to recent sex-disaggregated data gathered by the RGFPS, which revealed that a significant portion of the DILG-NCR workforce consists of employees aged 30 and above. Specifically, 48 employees fall within the 31–40 age range, 37 are aged 41–50, and 57 are aged 51 and above. These findings highlighted the importance of accessible health and wellness interventions tailored to the evolving needs of the workforce.

In welcoming the participants, DILG-NCR Assistant Regional Director Atty. Ana Lyn R. Baltazar-Cortez, CESO IV, emphasized the agency’s strong commitment to promoting the overall well-being of its workforce, recognizing that every personnel serves as the heart and driving force of DILG-NCR.

“Hindi lahat ng tanggapan ng pamahalaan ay nabibiyaan ng ganitong pagkakataon na makapagpatingin nang libre sa mga eksperto, kaya’t hinihikayat ko ang bawat isa sa atin na samantalahin ang araw na ito at makilahok sa ating mga doktor at wellness partners,” ARD Baltazar-Cortez said.

Through partnerships with the PhilHealth Quezon City Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO), Quezon City Health Department (QCHD), and Quezon City Social Services Development Department (QC SSDD), DILG-NCR personnel were able to update their PhilHealth membership, avail of free medical check-ups, and participate in various wellness activities. 

One of the highlights of the activity was the orientation on the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP), discussed by Ms. Muriel Muriafuentes from the PhilHealth Quezon City Local Health Insurance Office (LHIO). She explained that the YAKAP Program has been expanded and strengthened to provide more Filipinos with access to comprehensive health care services, emphasizing disease prevention, health promotion, and overall wellness. Ms. Muriafuentes also encouraged participants to familiarize themselves with the program, not only to maximize its benefits for themselves and their families but also to help disseminate information so that more communities can gain access to affordable and quality health care services through PhilHealth.

Representative from the Department of Health Metro Manila Center for Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) Assistant Regional Director Dr. Karen B. Fernandez  also expressed her message of support, emphasizing that maintaining one’s physical and mental well-being is vital, especially for government workers who constantly face the demands and pressures of public service. ARD Fernandez congratulated the DILG-NCR on its 37th founding anniversary, commending the office for marking the occasion with activities that promote health, wellness, and holistic care for its personnel.

Government personnel manage substantial workloads and responsibilities, along with the constant accountability inherent in public service, which can affect their overall well-being. The wellness and medical services offered through this initiative allowed employees to take a break, recharge, and recognize the value of self-care and mental health. By supporting physical and mental wellness, the activity sought to enhance employees’ performance and strengthen their ability to deliver quality public service.

As DILG–NCR marks its 37th Founding Anniversary, the KawaniCare initiative stands as a meaningful reminder that the strength of public service lies in the well-being of those who serve. By investing in the health, wellness, and overall care of its personnel, the Department reinforces its commitment to nurturing a workforce that is not only competent and dedicated, but also resilient and empowered. 

Through partnerships and shared advocacy, DILG–NCR continues to uphold a culture of care, proving that when public servants are well, public service thrives. By integrating data-driven insights with inter-agency collaboration, KawaniCare underscores DILG-NCR’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more resilient, and empowered workforce—one that continues to advance the Department’s mission of excellence in local governance and public service.