TUBOD, Lanao del Norte (PIA)--In an effort to foster knowledge exchange and community empowerment, 1,742 provincial volunteer health workers (PVHWs) from various municipalities here participated in the 13th PVHW Congress, May 30.

They hail from the towns of Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod, Baroy, Matungao, Lala, and Kapatagan.

The Congress served as a vital platform for PVHWs to stay informed about the latest policies, programs, projects, and activities in public health. Different topics were also discussed during the Congress, such as the illegal drug campaign of the Philippine National Police, family planning of the Commission on Population and Development, and the blood donation services of the Philippine Red Cross.

Lolita Clavano Macondara, a PVHW from Maigo town, expressed her gratitude as she learned a lot from the seminars.

"Actually daghan jud kaayo mi natun-an, especially kanang maghouse-to-house mi, mangita mi og mga bata, among ginagather, ginapa-immunize, magburos. Daghan kaayo mi gipanggather ana, usa pod na sa amo ginaseminaran sa pagka PVHW," she said.

(Actually, we learned a lot, especially during our house-to-house visits, where we gather children for immunization and support pregnant mothers. This is one of the key takeaways from the seminar on being provincial volunteer health workers)

According to Ananette Daniel, head of the Provincial Population Office, they gather the PVHWs annually to provide updates on their responsibilities within the barangay.

"Tawgon jud nato sila every year para dunay update sa ilang role sa barangay, para makabalo sila unsay mga latest issue, latest sa mga trabahoon unya sa provincial government nga atong ihatag through sa pvhw direkta sa barangay," she said.

(We convene them every year to update them on their roles in the barangay, ensuring they are aware of the latest issues and ongoing projects of the Provincial Government that we deliver through PVHW directly in the barangay)

For the past 15 years, the provincial government has organized and provided training for these dedicated PVHWs.

Governor Imelda "Angging" Dela Cruz Quibranza expressed her gratitude for the dedication of the PVHWs.

"Daghan kaayong salamat sa inyohang, pagboluntaryo isip among mga mata og dalunggan sa matag-tagsa ka barangay sa mga lungsod," she said.

(Thank you so much for volunteering to be our eyes and ears for each barangay in the municipalities). (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)

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