DOH-ARMM head tofurther pursue healthprograms

Dr. Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding, Jr.

COTABATO CITY --- Newly confirmed regional cabinet secretary of the Department of Health (DOH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Dr.Kadil “Jojo” M. Sinolinding, Jr. vows to strengthen the implementation of various health programs of the department.

Sinolindingwas sworn in last February 12 before Regional Legislative Assembly (RLA) Speaker Ronnie Sinsuatright after members of the 9th RLA confirmed his appointment as DOH-ARMM Secretary together with Department of the Interior Local Government- ARMM Secretary Atty. Noor Hafizulla “Kirby” M. Abdullah and Department of Labor and Employment- ARMM Secretary Muslimin A. Jakilan.

“Confirmation is a process that will test you based on your performance, present activities,accomplishments, and your future plans in the agency,” said Sinolinding.

Sinolinding said he is thankful to have surpassed the interrogation of the members of the assembly both as a public official and on personal basis

“It’s a process designed to determine if you are qualifiedenough to run the agency,” said Sinolinding.

Sinolindingsaid that with the renewed trust and confidence of the RLA, he felt relieved.

“As a leader, I recognize all the lapses except those that are beyond my capacity,” he said.

Sinolinding said that right after confirmation, they are slated to focus on strengthening the basic health programs and services of the agency for the benefit of the ARMM populace.

“I ama steward. I gather all forces,people, and talents for a common goal and forthe bestinterest of the region,” he said.

Sinolinding added that it should be a convergent effort of various government partners with the participation of the stakeholders

“Disease is the result of failure of our government to respond to health issues. We would want to strengthen the advocacy of our various programs,” he said.

Other than being head of the health department, Sinolinding hadpersonally provided free medical interventions, including various eye surgeries to mostly poor Moro and Christian residents in the ARMM and Central Mindanao.

He was highly commended by the members of the RLA for the reforms he has brought to the health department of the region for seven years now, a complement the secretary humbly accepted, saying that the success of the DOH is not because of him but because of all the different partners who are very supportive to the health initiatives of the region. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)