SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were celebrated as modern-day heroes for their invaluable contributions to grassroots healthcare during the Barangay Health Workers’ Summit held on Nov. 19 in Bauang, La Union.
The summit highlighted the pivotal role of BHWs in delivering essential healthcare services to communities, commending their unwavering dedication and exemplary service.
Dr. Paula Paz Sydiongco, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH) Ilocos, emphasized that BHWs are rightfully regarded as modern-day heroes for their commitment as healthcare frontliners in the grassroots—often sacrificing time with their families to serve their communities.
“They are local heroes with their never-ending quality healthcare services just to keep their community healthy,” Sydiongco said.
The event’s highlight was the “Sangapulo a Naisangsangayan a Barangay Health Workers ti La Union Award” (10 Outstanding Barangay Health Workers of La Union Award), an initiative institutionalized in the province through Ordinance No. 172-2019 by the Provincial Government of La Union in collaboration with the Provincial Health Office and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
This initiative aims to recognize 10 outstanding BHWs in La Union for their exemplary service, dedication, and competence.
Winners are evaluated based on their contributions to health initiatives in their towns, with emphasis on innovations that improved healthcare accessibility.
Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David noted that the award was conceptualized to express gratitude and recognition for the invaluable contributions of BHWs to healthcare in La Union.
Ortega-David added that the summit aims to foster greater collaboration between the government and grassroots workers to achieve excellence in delivering healthcare services.
“It is our hope that through this, we attract even more achievements for the overall progress of our healthcare system,” she remarked.
Geraldine Peralta, president of the BHW Association of La Union, meanwhile expressed her gratitude to government agencies and local government units for their unwavering support in making the summit and awards ceremony possible, despite the numerous reschedulings caused by the series of tropical cyclones that recently affected the province.
“We are deeply grateful for your presence and support. Thank you for your time, assistance, and commitment to being here. To our outstanding BHW awardees, I challenge you all to continue the excellent work you have begun,” Peralta said.
This year’s honorees include Estrella Abenes of Burgos, Melilani Llanes of Aringay, Madonna Alminiana of Bacnotan, Charmaine Joy Oriente of Santol, Susan Coy-om of San Gabriel, Shierly Compañero of Pugo, Jennet Corres of Naguilian, Brenda Refuerzo of Agoo, Alma Laudencia of San Fernando City, and Arlene Viceno of Balaoan.
Each received a plaque and a P10,000 cash award.
BHWs serve as the frontline healthcare providers in their communities.
These dedicated volunteers undergo formal training to ensure the well-being of families within their respective areas.
Health workers in the barangay play a crucial role in advancing the DOH Health Promotion Framework, contributing to its seven priority areas: physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance abuse prevention, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention, particularly for women and children. (AMB/CCMT/PIA La Union)
