• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental, through its Provincial Health Office, yesterday recognized and honored top performing Barangay Health Worker associations in the province, in a ceremony held at Negros Residences in Bacolod City.
Clayte Elizario, 81, of Barangay Chambery, Manapla, was recognized as the longest serving BHW, having served for 52 years.
There are about 9,210 BHWs who rendered health related services in 601 barangays of Negros Occidental, according to Provincial BHW coordinator Fhemarie Joy Gelogo.
BHWs are trained volunteers who perform various health-promoting and health-educating tasks, and provide primary health care (PHC) services within their communities.
The five top performing BHW Associations (city category) are from the cities of Bago, Cadiz, Escalante, Talisay, and Kabankalan, while the top five performing BHW associations in the municipal category are EB Magalona, Murcia, Pontevedra, Hinigaran, and Cauayan.
Gelogo said the top performers received cash incentives and certificates of recognition.
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan, assisted by Dr. Jessica Fama and Adrian Hort Ramos, head of the Provincial and City DOH office, led the distribution of awards to the outstanding BHW associations.*
