The document summarizes the history and implementation of primary health care (PHC) in the Philippines. It discusses the definition of PHC according to the WHO and how it was adopted in the Philippines. It then outlines the different periods of PHC implementation: pre-devolution, institutionalization, and devolution. Under each period, it describes the various approaches, innovations, and mechanisms used to promote PHC in the country. It concludes by noting some of the challenges faced in fully implementing PHC.

1. Reconstructing the Functions of Government: The Case of Primary Health Care in the Philippines By: Victoria A. Bautista (2003) Prepared by: Jerry L. Roxas - Discussant Professor: Dr. Jo B. Bitonio DPA 102 Philippine Administrative System – Ist Semester 2011 LNU Dagupan City

2. Definition of Primary Health Care (PHC): World Health Organization (WHO) defines PHC as essential care made universally accessible to individuals and families in the community by means acceptable to them through their full participation and at a cost that the community and country can afford at every stage of development.

3. Background: Primary Health Care (PHC) was declared during the First International Conference on Primary Health Care held in Alma Ata, Russia on September 6-12, 1978 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The goal was “ Health for All by the Year 2000 ”. This was adopted by the in the Philippines through Letter of Instruction 949 signed by President Marcos on October 19, 1979 and has an underlying theme of “ Health in the Hands of the People by 2020 .”

7. A. Area Selection on the Basis of Need The introduction of PHC begun in 1979 by pilot testing the methodology in one province in each of the 12 regions. In 1982 the UPCPA revealed an important approach to ensure the outreach of the government to the underserved areas. This was done through the selection of the 12 provinces on the basis on “need” such as;

9. B. Social Preparation The DOH conducted preparatory activities among health and other sectoral implementers for effective utilization of resources. Trainers were also identified at the provincial levels in order to echo the essence of PHC at the municipal level.

10. C. Identification of Volunteers An important component of preparatory activities for PHC was the identification and mobilization of voluntary health workers(VHW’s).

14. B. Identification/Preparation of Volunteers Three years after the nationwide orientation programs for health workers, PHC was initiated in 99% of the barangays. 1982 - 1 BHW/70 households 1986 – 1 BHW/29 households

19. DEVOLUTION Direct responsibility for PHC is now assumed by mayors of municipalities and cities due to the Local Government Code of 1991.

25. D. Research/Documentation Due to lack of information regarding the status of PHC implementation, the government has adopted the conduct of researches subcontracted to private institutions to determine the status of PHC.

27. Reference: Introduction to Public Administration A Reader 2 nd Edition National College of Public Administration & Governance University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, 2003