A BHW coordinator expresses his gratitude for the continuous support of DOH in enhancing their knowledge and skills to properly and effectively implement health programs in the community during the “Capacity Building of BHW Coordinators as HEPOs on the Ground” held from June 26-30, 2023 in Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos Norte.
The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region recently conducted a 5-day training for Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Coordinators of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, to strengthen and broaden their skill as Health Education Promotion Officers (HEPOs) for the effective implementation of the Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) for the province/city-wide health systems under the Universal Health Care Law.
“This training provides guidance to BHWs on how they will implement the DOH Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) 2021 – 2030, a 10-year health promotion plan that aims to enable broad social change by focusing on changing the behavior of the people and raising awareness on their health and well-being,” Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated in her welcome message during the capacity building held in Ilocos Norte from June 26-30, 2023.
“A person has the opportunity to attain his/her highest level of health when social determinants are addressed effectively, which includes education, distance to a health facility, income and physical condition of a house.”
Under the HPFS, there are seven priority areas that will be promoted at the local government level. These include physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance abuse, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, violence, and injury prevention against women and children.
Health Promotion Unit Head Cheryl D. Buhong said that participants were familiarized with the various topics and major programs under the community health promotion playbook.
“We explained their role and responsibilities as HEPOs in the community and sought their commitment to implement the objectives of the HPFS in order achieve the full realization of primary care.”
“Because in the long run, the HPFS shall set the overall direction and strategies for health promotion towards achieving the goal of ensuring that all Filipinos are health literate, settings are health-enabling, and public policies are supportive and protective of health.” “And all implementing personnel, partners and stakeholders shall align their respective health promotion interventions with the HPFS for a unified action,” Buhong explained.
A total of 100 BHWS attended the “Capacity Building of BHW Coordinators as HEPOs on the Ground” held in Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos Norte.
