Province of Biliran • December 4, 2025

Fragoch Tourist Inn, Naval, Biliran

The Province of Biliran marked another milestone in promoting employee wellness and organizational productivity as government workers, local health officers, and partner agencies gathered for the Healthy Workplace Onboarding, organized by the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development.

This whole-day orientation highlighted the government’s collective commitment to ensuring that every public servant thrives in a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment—a vision that is strongly reflected in national policies and deeply felt in the stories shared during the sessions.

Participants were welcomed by Dr. Joyce P. Caneja, OIC-PHO II, who emphasized the significance of fostering healthy work environments where government employees feel valued, supported, and cared for.

Speakers from DOH, PhilHealth, and the Civil Service Commission enriched the discussions with insights anchored on the Health Promotion Framework Strategy, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards, and the essential role of mental health in public service.

One of the most impactful messages came from Director Michael M. Dela Cruz of the Civil Service Commission–Biliran Field Office.

Despite not being a health professional, Director Dela Cruz delivered a heartfelt and practical talk on why mental wellness is foundational to productivity, ethical service, and day-to-day decision-making in government.

A strong mind sustains purpose even when the body is tired.

Mental stability guides good decisions, respectful service, and consistent performance.

Employees must be supported with policies, not just activities—because initiatives are sustained only when they are grounded in policy.

He also highlighted CSC Memorandum Circular No. 4, s. 2020, which mandates mental health programs in all government offices, reminding participants that protecting employees’ rights and well-being is a duty of the State.

Dr. Caneja also recalled how Biliran began implementing OSH initiatives years ago—starting from health assessments to evaluating physical work conditions such as lighting, ergonomics, and screen exposure.

This orientation serves as a renewed commitment to accelerate these efforts and to influence every LGU to adopt policies aligned with national standards.

From ensuring ergonomic chairs to encouraging stair-climbing and active breaks, participants were reminded that small improvements in the workplace create big impacts on employee health.

The event echoed a powerful vision shared by both DOH and CSC:

When you enter government service, you should be happy—and when you leave the bureaucracy, you should still be happy.

This Healthy Workplace Onboarding is not just a one-day activity—it is the starting point of a culture where public servants feel valued, motivated, and equipped to serve with excellence.

With the strong support of provincial leaders, health officers, and national agencies, Biliran aims to become a model province for Healthy Workplaces.

The day concluded with the PhilHealth YAKAP Registration, strengthening the link between workplace health and the broader health system.

Biliran’s journey toward a healthier, more resilient workforce has officially begun—and this is only the first of many inspiring steps forward.