By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
LAOAG CITY—Following a four-day Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) congress, at least 1,820 participants in the first district of Ilocos Norte successfully completed their first-aid training course, resulting to a better appreciation of their roles as village health workers.
Facilitated by the Provincial Health Office led by Dr. Josephine Ruedas, BHWs from the municipalities of Pagudpud, Bangui, Burgos, Dumalneg, Pasuquin, Bacarra, Vintar, Sarrat, Piddig, Carasi and Laoag City are now more than ready to serve their constituents with ease and efficiency.
Armed with BHW kit containing weighing scale, blood pressure apparatus and health book among others, these were provided to them courtesy of the Ilocos Norte government after their graduation.
Concepcion Buday, one of the BHWs in Sarrat town said she is grateful for the additional knowledge and skills she gained through the BHW congress which makes her more productive and efficient as a village health worker.
Apart from the first aid training particularly in assisting pregnant women and their children, she said she also learn a lot from the experiences of her fellow BHWs in a team building activity.
About 1,887 BHWs from the second district of Ilocos Norte are also expected to finish their training course on April 15.
The BWH congress is being conducted annually in the province where BHWs are updated on prevalent health issues in the province such as reducing maternal deaths and child mortality as well as the important programs and services of the provincial government.