TADIAN, Mountain Province(PIA) — The passion for community service stirred two women barangay health workers in barangay Pandayan in Tadian, Mountain Province to dedicate more than 40 years of their life providing basic health care services to their kakailyan (townmates).
Marina Telva, now 66-year-old, spent 42 years helping her kailyan with their health needs while 63 year-old Faustina Kensib served as a BHW for 41 years from 1983 to 2024.
Despite setbacks brought by misinformation on health especially vaccination, Telva persevered in educating community members on health issues, and promoting healthy behaviors for children and family welfare.
Kensib shared that because of the kindness and the fair treatment of her community, she carriedon her work as BHW for four decades.
“Inan-anusak si 40 years ay nenser-serbi tan mayat met, naanus da nan nenserserbian,” she shared.
(I reached 40 years because my fellow community members are kind.)
Kensib and Telva enjoyed serving their community amidst the many difficulties and challenges and low allowance.
As frontliners in providing healthcare services in their barangays, they were always on the go.
Kensib shared the sacrifices they have to endure especially during the times when accessibility was extremely challenging.
“Ed idi gamin, maid di lugan isunga ak-akleyen mi nu way man-anak, iyey mi ed ospital. Nu wada aben man-anak sin booy, makisoysoyop sin booy tay banbantayan mi din man-anak.”
(Before, there were no vehicles that can reach the area, so we have to carry pregnant women who were about to give birth to the hospital. When a mother gives birth at home, we stay overnight to watch or monitor the mother and the baby to ensure their safety.)
As the primary healthcare service providers in the barangays, BHWs have to deal with people of different characters in promoting healthy behaviors , educating the community on health issues, assisting in health programs like immunization, working with local officials in addressing health concerns, among others.
With her many experiences, Telva has this advice to younger BHWs.
“Adi da unay men-ap-apos, mauk-ukos, adjustable da kuma adi,” she said.
(Do not be onion-skinned. They should know how to adjust and be courageous.)
For their outstanding dedication to health service, the local government unit (LGU) of Tadian recognized Telva and Kensib and other retirees in a special ceremony on March 6, 2025 during the Ayyoweng di Lambak ed Tadian festival celebration. They received certificate of recognition and cash gifts from the LGU. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)
