North Cotabato gov't honors BHWs as health front liners
HEALTH • 14:49 PM Tue Nov 24, 2015
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North Cotabato news release
North Cotabato barangay health workers pose after the BHW congress over the weekend. (contributed photo)
KIDAPAWAN CITY– The North
Cotabato provincial health office on Monday recognized the health front liners
for a job well done” in the government’s basic health services down to the
farthest communities.
About 2,700 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)
gathered at the provincial capitol gym, in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City for
the 25th BHW Provincial Congress.The BHWs are volunteer health workers in
their respective communities and North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza lauded their
spirit of volunteerism for the service of their fellow villagers.
You have a remarkable job back in your
villages and we know that despite many difficulties and challenges nothing can
dissuade you from serving your people,” Mendoza said in a message read for her
by Vice Gov Gregorio Ipong.Mendoza
has high regards for the BHWs because they provide a lot of help in pushing for
various health programs and campaigns of DOH such as Maternal
and Child Health Care, tuberculosis, family planning, and prevention of infectious
diseases.
She lauded the BHWs because
despite only receiving honoraria, this does not in any way lessen their passion
to take care of the basic health needs of the entire community where they live.
Dr. Eva C. Rabaya, North Cotabato Integrated
Provincial Office (IPHO) said the theme of this year’s congress was Pagtitipon at
Pagkakaisa Para Sa Iisang Layuninand Malusog Na Cotabato.” She
explained the gathering aims to strengthen the BHWs as front liners of health and
recognize their contribution in maintaining healthy and sound communities. Rep.
Jose Tejada of North Cotabato’s 3rd congressional district,
described the BHWs as not merely workers but they are also wives and mothers
that have responsibilities in their own families but they still manage to
perform their duties towards their constituents.”
As
mothers and wives you tend to sacrifice for the sake of your work as front
liners of health and for that I salute you,” Tejada said.
Dr.
Frank Mateo, Department of Health 12 assistant director, said emphasized on the
importance of congress because there is a need to strengthen the BHWs and re-educate
them on the thrust of the health department to promote safe and healthy
communities. As
our partners in health advocacy, we want the BHWs to be fully equipped in the
performance of their duties and responsibilities. We want them to be ready at
all times as front liners in the barangays,” Mateo said.