The Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte through the Provincial Health Office conducts Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Reference Manual Training on Health Services and Policies led by Dr. Eduardo M. Luayon October 29 – 31, 2024 in the Municipality of Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.
The initial undertaking is in coordination with Leon B. Postigo Municipal Health Officer Ms. Marilou Anadeo and Dr. Aisha Mae A. Gadingan-Ongcoy, Municipal BHW Coordinator which was attended by the Barangay Health Workers (BHW’s) of all areas within the said municipality. Meanwhile, ZDN PHO also coordinated with the same activity with Dapitan City BHW Coordinator, Mr. Virchez D. Tubelloso and Dr. Mary Ann E. Cataluña, Dapitan City Health Officer. Ms. Fe D. Martalla, Provincial Health Education and Promotion Officer, led the discussion and presentation proper alongside Ms Rosita R. Gonzalez, the Provincial BHW Coordinator and Mr. Gonzalo R. Benarao – Regional BHW President.
The BHW Reference Manual is an initiative of the Department of Health used by BHWs for self-directed learning and by supervisors for training community health workers to provide information and skills to help BHWs perform their roles as frontline community health providers, help BHWs keep up with updates to health policies and programs, provide BHWs with the knowledge to implement community health interventions, define the basic competencies required of BHWs and the roles and responsibilities of BHWs. Furthermore, the training also cover policies on barangay health stations, importance of teamwork and effective communication, identify problems and plan solutions and emphasize occupational safety.
The topics includes the introduction to BHW Reference Manual on Health on Services and Policies, Violence Against Women and Children, Basic BHW Competencies, Relevant policies on BHW services, Primary care services, Seven Priority Areas and Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2023 (DOH/DILG). The activity was initiated to equip out front liner BHWs with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively addressed the basic health services in their respective communities, a commitment to the maxim “Misyon ko Tinuod nga Serbisyo” of the Provincial Governor Rosalina “Nanay Nene” G. Jalosjos. (Angelica T. Obina)
(Source: PIC- Ginalin G. Ma)