Barangay Health Worker Heidie Yongco happily presents her certificate of completion for the TESDA training. (Photo courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)

For more than 10 years, Heidie Yongco found fulfillment in serving her community as a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) in Barangay Coloong, Valenzuela City. Lacking formal training, however, posed difficulties when providing medical care. 

So when the Valenzuela City government, through the City Health Office, partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to offer Barangay Health Service NC II, Heidie seized the opportunity.

Barangay Health Workers conduct blood monitoring exercises at the sidelines of the certification conferment. (Photo courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)

The intensive training built Heidie's confidence and skills in areas like first aid, health promotion, and emergency response. Being a homemaker, it was challenging for Heidie to balance classes with family responsibilities. She persevered through each day, motivated to expand her medical knowledge.

Heidie also found the TESDA competency assessment daunting. Drawing from her decade of community experience, however, she passed with flying colors, becoming one of 150 BHWs in Valenzuela receiving NC II certification that day. 

Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian proudly congratulates one of the 150 Barangay Health Workers present at the ceremony. (Photo courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)

The conferment ceremonies took place at the Valenzuela Auditorium on January 29. Gracing the event were Mayor Wes Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, City Health Officer Dr. Marthony Basco, BHW Medical Coordinator Dr. Michael Joseph Co, and Barangay Nutrition Workers (BNWs).

Attendees pose for a photo while making the “V” sign that stands for Valenzuela City. (Photo courtesy: Valenzuela PIO)

“Ang training po ay nakatulong po sa amin upang maboost po ang aming confidence, lalo na po ‘pag nag-e-area kami," she said. 

(The training helped us to boost our confidence, especially when we are doing fieldwork.)

Finishing this program will open up great work opportunities for aspiring individuals. Just in a matter of 560 hours, deserving students can start working at any government barangay clinics or centers, whenever applicable.

Mayor Wes, for his part, lauded the 100 percent passing rate of the BHW trainees. He also shared his future plans to establish a permanent BHW training school in Valenzuela that will also cater to BHWs from other local governments.

Heidie feels proud to have honed her skills under the mayor's leadership.

"Kaya nagpapasalamat po kami kay Mayor Wes dahil binigyan po kami ng ganitong magandang programa,” she added.

(So we thank Mayor Wes for giving us such a good program.)

The Barangay Health Services NC II is a national certification program that provides training and education for individuals who want to work in the healthcare field. The program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide basic health services to individuals and families in their communities.

The Barangay Health Services NC II program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Basic anatomy and physiology
  
• First aid and basic life support
  
• Maternal and child health
  
• Nutrition
  
• Mental health
  
• Community health promotion
   

Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:

• Provide basic health services to individuals and families in their communities
  
• Promote health and wellness in their communities
  
• Educate individuals and families about health-related topics
  
• Refer individuals and families to appropriate health care providers
  
• The Barangay Health Services NC II program is a valuable resource for individuals who want to work in the healthcare field and make a difference in their communities.

Here are the Barangay Health Services requirements from TESDA:

• Birth Certificate (NSO Certified)
  
• Academic Records (Diploma/TOR)
  
• Certificate of Good Moral Character/Honorable Dismissal
  
• 1x1 and 2x2 picture

Here are the job opportunities for those with Barangay Health Services NC II:

• Barangay Health Worker
  
• Community Health Assistant

The Valenzuela City Health Office is currently planning the next batches of BHW trainees that will undergo the

TESDA course to cover all the 328 barangay health workers in the City. The initiative is also in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation and Johnson and Johnson. 

Heidie is now eager to apply her enhanced expertise in service to Valenzuelanos, especially at-risk mothers and children. Her certification enables her to provide higher quality care and potentially save lives.

Heidie aspires to continue upskilling to even greater heights. She exemplifies the grit and heart of Barangay Health Workers who uplift communities through dedication to health and wellness. (JCO/PIA-NCR)