Sta Marcela BHWs, BNSs awarded P.2M cash after ranking first in Regional Performance

Santa Marcela, Apayao- Following the prestigious regional recognition conferred to the Federation of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) in Santa Marcela last November 2023, the group just received their monetary incentive, on Monday, January 22, during the Local Health Board meeting held in Santa Marcela, Apayao.

The cash prize amounting to P200,000 was part of the Department of Health's Performance-Based Incentive Award program to honor BHWs and BNSs federation for their commendable execution of health care services in their respective communities.

In an interview with BHWs federation president Beatriz Z. Tagaca, she recounted how they performed their functions sincerely, working selflessly, monitoring the health status of the community, detecting and solving health problems, identifying and investigating health problems and risks in the community, informing, educating, and empowering people about health concerns.

As the assigned leader of the top Performing BHW in the Cordillera region, Tagaca stated that the award will be used by the group to strengthen and expand their healthcare services, adding that part of it will be utilized for capacity building activities, supporting the federation's economic productivity, and capacitating the members in their new function as barangay Health Education and Promotion Officers (HEPOs).

Municipal Mayor Evelyn Martinez and Vice-Mayor Rolly Guiang, lauded the federation’s concerted efforts with a deep sense of dedication to public health promotions.

The Provincial DOH-Apayao further sees this triumph as an inspiration to BHWs and BNSs across the province to seek continuously after the community's holistic welfare.

Enthusiastic with more healthcare endeavours this year, the federation, as relayed by Tagaca, is inclined to bring new accolades to the municipality and the Apayao Province.

Meanwhile, Tagaca attributed the reward to the unwavering efforts of her colleagues in the Provincial DOH Office (PDOHO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), and Municipal Health Office (MHO).