DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region has begun distributing copies of the updated Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Reference Manual and BHW Manual on Health Policies and Services to BHWs of Ilocos Region.
 
The BHWs from Dagupan City were the first batch to receive their copies of these manuals after the DOH turned over these materials to the government in a ceremony held on June 7.
 
The newly updated manuals are designed to equip BHWs with the knowledge and concepts of DOH’s priority programs including the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN), Reproductive Health (RH), Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), Garantisadong Pambata (GP), communicable and non-communicable diseases, and healthy lifestyle.
 
In a statement, the DOH said that it is designed according to the life-cycle approach or from womb-to-tomb, and contains information on the roles of BHWs in implementing health interventions at the grassroots level.
 
It also includes the latest DOH information, education and communication (IEC) materials as well as recording and reporting forms.
 
In a message, DOH Ilocos regional director Paula Paz Sydiongco said, “Ang DOH ay patuloy na naglilingkod at itinataguyod ang inyong kapakanan upang kayo ay mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman at makapagbigay ng sapat at kaukulang serbisyo sa inyong nasasakupan.”
 
“These manuals will provide you the appropriate tools at magsisilbing gabay ninyo to effectively deliver basic health services gaya ng mga tamang pamamaraan ng pakikitungo sa mga kliyente at ang tamang pagsasangguni o referral for appropriate health services sa ating mga pampublikong pagamutan,” she said.
 
Sydiongco also extended her gratitude to the BHWs for their support in the implementation of DOH programs in the communities and the current Measles-Rubella and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity in which Dagupan City recorded 100.05% as of June 13.
 
“Dahil po ito sa inyong pagsusumikap kasama ang inyong lokal na pamahalaan upang mabakunahan lahat ang ating mga bata laban sa tigdas at polio,” she added.
 
City Mayor Belen Fernandez encouraged the BHWs to read and put into heart the contents of the manual.
 
“Lahat ng kinakailangan ninyong malaman bilang isang BHW ay nasa inyong mga manual. Kailangan ninyo itong basahin at kung maaari ay mamemorize ninyo ito dahil ito ay napakaimportante sa inyong trabaho,” the mayor stated.
 
Fernandez also assured to increase the BHWs allowance to P6,000 monthly as a recognition of the performance of their duties.
 
BHW Regional Coordinator Ma. Lourdes Ducusin said that all BHWs in the region will soon have their copies of the manuals.
 
She said, “We hope that this manual will serve as a useful tool for our BHWs as they continue to work towards the protection and health not only of mothers and children but the whole community as well.”
 
“The contribution of our BHWs to public health is invaluable. And with this manual in their hands, may they yield even greater benefits to the communities they serve,” Ducusin concluded. (JCR/AMB/PIA Pangasinan)