Duterte lauds efforts of village health workers

Friday, November 12, 2010

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday lauded the efforts of the region's Barangay Health Workers (BHW).

Around 150 gathered for the Regional BHW Congress, wherein the mayor noted the BHWs efforts in their communities.

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During the event, the city's BHW unit was also honored as the grand prize winner of the Department of Health's assessment of the highest performing province or city.

"You, our BHWs are our communities' frontliners. I am sure that when you go back to your provinces or communities you would receive commendation from your leaders," Duterte said at Marco Polo Hotel.

She also announced that the city has financed for the local BHWs' health insurance during the last quarter of the year. "Next year, the Philhealth of the city's BHWs are also covered," she said.

Duterte also said she hopes the cash prizes received by the BHWs would be spent as a group, specifically for the improvement of their livelihood.

The mayor also enjoined those present to continue "to seek ways to improve the quality of health of the constituents, and to secure a brighter future for our children and the Davao Region".

DOH medical specialist Dr. Annalisa Jabonero said in assessing the performance of health units in the region, the city came first.

"This is made every year and region-wide the Davao City is noted to have performed best in terms of health services offered by the LGUs and how they are implemented," Jabonero said in an interview.

Compostela Valley bagged the first place; Davao Oriental and Davao del Norte placed second; while the third prize was won by Davao del Sur.