Davao Councilor Champions Doctors to the Barrios for Isolated Communities
Davao City Councilor Trisha Villafuerte has voiced strong support for the deployment of Doctors to the Barrios (DTTB), emphasizing that healthcare access remains a critical challenge in the city's remote areas. As chair of the Committee on Health, Villafuerte asserted that every resident of Davao has a fundamental right to medical services, regardless of their location.
Addressing Healthcare Gaps in GIDAs
In a privilege speech delivered on February 24, 2026, at the Sanguniang Panlungsod, Villafuerte highlighted the persistent struggles faced by Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs), particularly in Marilog and Paquibato Districts. She stressed that these regions continue to encounter significant barriers in obtaining quality healthcare, which exacerbates health disparities.
"The presence of a doctor in these districts would not only address immediate medical needs but also strengthen preventive care, maternal and child care services, immunization coverage, and chronic disease management," Villafuerte stated. She underscored that deploying physicians through the DTTB program, under the Department of Health (DOH), is essential for bridging these gaps and enhancing the overall healthcare system.
Progress and Goals in Davao's Healthcare
Villafuerte pointed to recent improvements in Davao's healthcare infrastructure, noting that as of January 2024, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) operates 18 district health offices. This initiative has led to a notable enhancement in the doctor-to-population ratio, which has improved from 1:200,000 to 1:50,000, with an ambitious target of reaching 1:20,000.
She urged her fellow councilors to prioritize healthcare accessibility for all Dabawenyos, advocating for a resolution that supports the deployment of doctors to Marilog and Paquibato Districts. This move aims to build trust in public health institutions and ensure that no community is left behind in receiving essential medical attention.
National Impact of the DTTB Program
The Doctors to the Barrios program, established by the DOH in 1993, was designed to combat the shortage of physicians in rural Philippine communities. As of 2023, the program has deployed 34 batches of doctors to GIDAs across the country, from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi provinces. Currently, it comprises 215 doctors serving nationwide, including 15 in the Davao region.
Villafuerte emphasized that the DTTB initiative not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also fosters long-term benefits such as improved disease prevention and management. By supporting this program, Davao City can take a significant step toward equitable healthcare delivery, ensuring that even the most remote areas have access to vital medical services.
