TACLOBAN CITY– The Samar Provincial Hospital (SPH) has begun using two digital healthcare systems designed to improve patient record management, speed up referrals and strengthen coordination among hospitals and other health facilities in the province.
The hospital recently launched the Quick Medical Electronic Record (QMER) and Quick Referral (QREF) systems as part of efforts to modernize healthcare delivery and address gaps in patient management, monitoring and referral services.

Through QMER, patient information, medical services provided and treatment progress can be electronically recorded and monitored. Hospital officials said the system will help healthcare providers access timely patient information, make better clinical decisions and deliver more coordinated care.

The QREF system, meanwhile, is intended to streamline the referral of patients among hospitals and other health facilities by improving communication and coordination, helping ensure that patients receive appropriate medical attention without unnecessary delays.
Officials said the two systems are expected to improve hospital performance, facilitate faster delivery of healthcare services, strengthen patient monitoring and enhance referral coordination across the healthcare network.

The QMER-QREF launching and health and wellness caravan was held Aug. 7 at Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City.

Samar Governors Sharee Ann Tan and Carlos Jericho Petilla led the event, which included the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of agreement formalizing the commitment of participating stakeholders to implement the digital health initiatives.

Provincial officials said the adoption of the systems demonstrates Samar’s continuing efforts to use technology to make healthcare services more accessible, efficient and patient-centered.

The initiative is also expected to strengthen collaboration among health facilities and improve the delivery of medical services to patients across Samar and neighboring areas.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY – The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure seeking to give students and faculty of public and private higher education institutions free access to digital academic resources and high-speed campus internet.
House Bill No. 9532, or the Universal Access to Digital Academic Learning Resources Act, was principally authored by Reps. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez and Philip Jude Acidre.

Acidre, chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education, sponsored the measure, emphasizing the need to ensure that college students have access not only to classrooms but also to quality learning materials.

“Entering the classroom is only the beginning. Students also need access to quality learning materials that allow them to succeed, deepen their understanding, and complete their education,” he said.

The proposed law calls for the establishment of a National Academic Content Repository that would provide free access to textbooks, lecture videos, research papers and other educational materials.

The repository would be managed by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).
The bill also requires colleges and universities to provide free, secure and high-speed Wi-Fi on their campuses, with priority given to rural and underserved higher education institutions.

Acidre said providing both digital content and reliable internet connectivity would help address disparities in access to educational resources.

“By investing in both content and connectivity, this measure helps bridge the digital divide and creates more equal learning opportunities across the country,” he said.

The measure also provides for the development of localized educational materials, faculty training and technical assistance to help schools establish and maintain digital infrastructure.

The bill will undergo further consideration in the House before it can advance to the next stage of the legislative process.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA/ROEL T. AMAZONA)

BOBON, Northern Samar – Mayor Reny Celespara and Vice Mayor Ligaya Tagros-Uy led local officials and residents in celebrating the 163rd founding anniversary of this municipality in Northern Samar’s first congressional district.

The weeklong celebration featured various activities highlighting the town’s history, culture, sports, agriculture and environmental programs, culminating in preparations for Bobon’s annual town fiesta on Aug. 9 and 10.

Among the highlights was the marathon and community run held on Aug. 1, which drew hundreds of running enthusiasts, including children and adults. Mayor Celespara also joined the activity.

Other activities included the launching of the AGTA Cup Inter-Barangay Sports Tournament, a mangrove tree-growing and cleanup drive along the Sag-ud River, and an Agri-Trade Fair at the Marian Plaza.

The anniversary celebration on Aug. 3 was attended by municipal and barangay officials, government employees and residents.

In his anniversary message, Celespara underscored the significance of the 163rd founding anniversary as a celebration of the sacrifices, achievements and shared experiences that have shaped Bobon through the years.

He also called on residents to remain united and continue working together to pursue sustained progress and development for the municipality.

Tagros-Uy, in her welcome message, highlighted the importance of honoring Bobon’s rich history and cultural heritage.

She said the anniversary serves as a reminder of the values, traditions and enduring spirit that have shaped the municipality and its people over the years.

The vice mayor also encouraged residents to continue fostering unity and strengthening partnerships among local government officials, communities and other stakeholders.
Bobon is a fourth-class municipality with a population of more than 27,000 and 18 barangays.

(PETER D. PAREDES)