The Department of Health (DOH) in the Ilocos Region is utilizing Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as Community Health Education Promotion Officers (HEPOs) to support the implementation of the Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) for the province/city-wide health systems under the Universal Health Care Law.

To enhance their skills, the DOH recently organized a 5-day training program for BHW Coordinators from Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

The training aimed to provide guidance to BHWs on effectively implementing the DOH Health Promotion Framework Strategy (HPFS) 2021-2030. This ten-year plan focuses on fostering social change by promoting behavioral modifications and raising awareness about health and well-being among the population. Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco emphasized the importance of addressing social determinants such as education, proximity to healthcare facilities, income, and housing conditions to enable individuals to achieve optimal health.

The HPFS emphasizes seven priority areas for local government promotion, including physical activity, environmental health, immunization, substance abuse, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and violence and injury prevention among women and children.

Cheryl D. Buhong, Head of the Health Promotion Unit, explained that during the training, participants were familiarized with various topics and major programs outlined in the community health promotion playbook. The BHWs were educated about their roles and responsibilities as HEPOs in the community and were encouraged to commit to implementing the objectives of the HPFS to realize comprehensive primary care.

In the long term, the HPFS will provide the overall direction and strategies for health promotion, aiming to ensure that all Filipinos are health literate, settings are health-enabling, and public policies are supportive and protective of health. Buhong emphasized the need for alignment among implementing personnel, partners, and stakeholders to achieve unified action in line with the HPFS.

The “Capacity Building of BHW Coordinators as HEPOs on the Ground” took place in Fort Ilocandia, Ilocos Norte, and was attended by 100 BHWs who will play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being in their communities. (ai/mnm)