A Gathering of Healing Hands: My Experience at the DOH Consultative Meeting on LINGAPP

Last November 28, 2025, I arrived early at the Park Inn by Radisson along North Avenue, Quezon City, the venue for a very special meeting. The Department of Health –Bureau of Local Health Systems and Development (DOH-BLHSD), under the leadership of Dr. Mar Wynn Bello, had organized a Consultative Meeting on Strengthening Faith-Based Health Initiatives for Lingkod Kalusugan ng Alagad ng Pananampalataya at Pamayanan (LINGAPP).

As the representative of the Davao Episcopal Area (DEA) Health Board of The United Methodist Church, I was excited for the opportunity that the government can acknowledge the role of faith-based organizations in the health of our communities.

I was the first person in the conference room but I was impressed by the diverse assembly they invited including representatives from the Philippine Relief and Development Services (PhilRADS) of PCEC, Caritas Philippines of the Roman Catholic Church, the Islamic Medical Association of the Philippines, and several other faith-rooted organizations. Seeing everyone seated together reminded me that despite our theological differences, we share a deep and abiding commitment to human dignity and compassionate service.

The meeting opened with an ecumenical prayer that I also participated in. Then an opening remarks by Dr. Bello. He emphasized that before the government prescribes policies or action plans, it must first listen to the stories, struggles, and insights of the organizations that have long been embedded in communities. I had to agree with his remarks. For years, faith-based organizations have been the unsung frontliners by providing medical missions in remote barangays, supporting families in times of disaster, and tending to the spiritual and emotional wounds the healthcare system often overlooks.

Again, I was the first speaker to share our experience in the UMC. I introduced myself as PasDoc Neki and spoke about the work of our DEA Health Board, our HIV SAVE approach and desire to build HIV competent churches, our growing mental health programs among youth and women, our peer educators Tigbansay and Manuglaygay, and our Wesleyan heritage of combining faith and medical ministry. I felt grateful to represent a church rooted in holistic care of body, mind, and spirit.

I also realized how unique our perspectives are as faith-based practitioners. We bring compassion shaped by Scripture, ethics informed by community life, and a sense of mission that pushes us beyond what is convenient.

Throughout the meeting, one theme kept echoing back and that is we all want to bring healthcare closer to the people as an expression of love. We also openly discussed challenges like limited funding, lack of coordination, unclear policies and the need for stronger government support. Yet, despite these concerns, there was a hopeful spirit in the room. This was just a beginning of a new partnership.

As the meeting ended, I felt encouraged. It was clear that LINGAPP is a program that will bridge between government and faith communities, between policy and compassion, between systems and souls. Walking out of the meeting venue, I carried a sense of renewed purpose. Our church may have simple programs but it is not alone, for along with our friends from various denominations and faith traditions, the FBOs has a vital role in building healthier, more resilient communities. 

This meeting reminded me that healing is not just a medical act, we are really called to take part in God's ministry.