Saying they are the ‘first responders’ to the medical needs of people in the communities, Senator Cynthia Villar commended the Barangay Health Workers (BHW) during the recent BHW Congress in the 1st District of Pangasinan.
“I will not be tired, and I mean it sincerely, that even before, I salute the BHWs who really help in the medical needs of our communities especially now that there are several ailments and it’s too costly and difficult to get sick,” Villar said.
The veteran legislator acknowledged BHWs as the government’s partners to ensure the health and well-being of our people in the communities.
BHWs are the government’s partners to ensure the health and well-being of our people in the communities.
In recognition of the significant role they play, the seasoned lawmaker related that when she was a congresswoman, she co-authored the legislation, House Bill No. 718 (substituted by HB NO. 4997) to make compulsory the coverage of accredited BHWs in the National Health Insurance Program
With the additional budget of P3-billion allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation in 2017, coverage for all Filipinos was ensured, including the BHWs.
“Of course as carers of the community, the BHWs who attend to our needs also have their own needs. We have to also address their needs so they can better serve us,” the lady senator said.
“We know that it is not easy to be a public servant and the BHWs are public servants in the real sense of the word. You have been doing an important job particularly due to the fact that the health and life of many people lie in your hands,” she added.
While the job of a public servant is not simple as it is oftentimes marred by several complaints, Villar said BHWs have been giving their utmost efforts to serve our fellow Filipinos and our country.
She expressed hope that their deeds, the sacrifices they have been doing, would be emulated by others.