REWARD. Barangay health workers from various parts of Ilocos Norte receive special risk allowance from the Department of Health. Each beneficiary received PHP1,428. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte) LAOAG CITY -To carry out a more comprehensive coverage in the implementation of healthcare programs among residents, over 3,500 barangay health workers (BHWs) in Ilocos Norte will now be utilized as health promotion officers in their respective communities. This came following the Ilocos Norte board's approval of a resolution on Monday (June 6), designating BHWs as barangay-level Health Education and Promotion Officers (HEPO), who shall assist primary healthcare providers in ensuring a proactive and effective implementation of health promotion policies, programs, and activities in the community. Sponsored by the committee on health and sanitation, the resolution aims to boost the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act, Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order No. 2020-0024 on the Primary Care Framework and Sectoral Strategies as it underscores the need to enhance the capacities of primary care workers, including the BHWs, as an important strategy to ensure quality, safe, and affordable care among Ilocanos. "BHWs remain as indispensable members of the local health system as they serve as front liners in pandemic prevention and response actions in the community, assisting in the operations of the Barangay Health Services and Rural Health Units among others," said Medeldorf Gaoat, main sponsor of the resolution on Tuesday. As stated in the resolution, the concerned local governments shall ensure the provisions of just and commensurate honorarium and financial and/or non-financial incentives and benefits for the BHWs. It added that the resources necessary to mobilize BHWs, including honoraria, operational expenditure, equipment, and/or training costs may be sourced from Special Health Fund and other local budgetary sources. Under Section 17 of the UHC Act, Filipinos are guaranteed equitable access to quality and affordable health care goods and services and the establishment of primary care networks for the delivery of health services. Last week, the DOH, through the Ilocos Norte government, distributed special risk allowance to its BHWs in recognition of their service in safeguarding the health and safety of the people amid an ongoing pandemic. (PNA) }