FLORA, Apayao – Some 104 barangay health workers (BHWs) and 16 barangay nutrition scholars (BNSs) of the Municipality of Flora underwent a roll-out training to be health education and promotion officers.
Conducted by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), in collaboration with the Provincial Department of Health (PDOH) and Municipal Health Office (MHO) of Flora, the training took place on December 6, 2023, at the Bagutong Gymnasium in Flora, Apayao.
Aligned with the principles of Universal Health Care (UCH), BHWs play a crucial role as frontline health workers and delivering basic health education and primary health care services.
They also facilitate connections between clients and health facilities. Similarly, BNSs serve as vital channels for disseminating nutrition information and providing essential nutrition services to barangays through trained community workers.
Building on the success of the previous year’s training where 92 BHWs and 13 BNSs were equipped with knowledge about UHC and their respective roles, the PHO conducted a one-day Roll-out Training – Module 2. This session aims to provide a review of their duties, enhance their skills, and deepen their understanding of the significance of being Health Education and Promotion Officers.
As part of the training assessment, one BHW and one BNS showcased their semestral achievements, offering insights into their performance and functionality from 2022 to the present.
In his address, Mayor Rodolfo B. Juan expressed gratitude to the provincial government for its support in organizing activities for BHWs and BNSs. Mayor Juan also acknowledged BHWs and BNSs who are considering retirement, proposing incentives or special benefits to enrich their post-service life.
Further, Mayor Juan underscored his commitment to addressing the issue of malnutrition in Flora, recognizing the relentless efforts and sacrifices made by BHWs and BNSs in providing indispensable health services to the community. By Michelle Acantilado