House leader cites vital role of barangay health workers in mitigating measles outbreak
By Charissa Luci-Atienza
Deputy Speaker and AAMBIS-OWA partylist Rep. Sharon Garin has cited the crucial role of barangay health workers (BHWs) as educators and health advocates in addressing the rising cases of measles that continue to affect the Western Visayas.
She noted that the expanded role of BHWs is proving to be a potent weapon in combating the epidemic.
Cong. Sharon S Garin. (FACEBOOK/ MANILA BULLETIN)
“We make it a point to visit every municipality as much as possible. Our BHWs continue to be of service to the nation regardless of the risks they face head-on. They are multi-faceted and hard working. Pagpasalamat is to show them that their efforts are appreciated and not in vain,” the House leader said in a statement.
Garin, along with Vice Governor Christine “Tingting” Garin of Iloilo, conducted a series of grocery distributions dubbed as Pagpasalamat sa BHWs from February 1 to 13, 2019 to recognize the ceaseless efforts and dedication of 1,183 BHWs from Iloilo and Antique.
Benefitting from the almost two-week long activity are barangay health workers from the municipalities of Janiuay, Lambunao, Laua-an, Bugasong, Valderrama, Belison, Patnongon, Sibalom, San Remegio, Hamtic, San Jose , Anini-y, and Tobias. Each health worker received a grocery pack.
Neoly Mendoza, a BHW for 39 years in Valderrama, Antique, said since the outbreak was declared, they have been assisting in the vaccination daily.
“Anom (6) kami na BHW nagakadto sa taga baryo para mabulig sa aton mga midwife para maghatag sang bakuna sa sulod sa isa kaadlaw” (Six (6) of us go to each barangay to assist midwives in the vaccination every day) she said.
According to the 2015 census, Valderrama has twenty-two barangays with a total of 19,124 residents.
Citing the latest figures from the Department of Health (DOH) – Region 6, Garin expressed concern that Negros Occidental still has the highest number of cases with 196, followed by Antique, 122; Bacolod City, 64; Iloilo Province, 39; Capiz, 18; Aklan, 22; and Iloilo City, 15.
BHWs in Antique, including Mendoza, receive a monthly honorarium of P1,100.
Mendoza said since their monthly honorarium is not enough to sustain the needs of their families, most of them also work in the field as farmers.
“All we want is to help them. As the voice of farmers in Congress, it is good to know that AAMBIS-OWA is not only helping barangay health workers but farmers as well,” Garin said.
AAMBIS-OWA party-list will hold more Pagpasalamat sa BHWs, in partnership with the Office of Vice Governor Garin in Iloilo and Antique during the first quarter of 2019.