The Ministry of Health (MOH) dominated the recent Barangay Health Workers (BHW) Summit, held on October 22-24, 2024, at Apo View Hotel, leading to a haul of three gold awards, two silver awards, and five bronze awards, recognizing the ministry for its outstanding achievements in grassroots healthcare services.

The awards were based on criteria such as the sustainability and impact of MOH programs, alignment with the Health Promotion Framework Strategy, and the innovation and creativity of the Barangay Health Workers.

“As the firs contact of the community, kayo (BHW) ang unang malalapitan ng ating mga kababayang Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong medical at impormasyong pangkalusugan. Dahil dito, kayo ang sandigan ng sector ng Kalusugan”. Said DOH secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, pointing out the significant roles of BHW in delivering healthcare services to their respective areas.

In his address, Dr. Abdullah B. Dumama, Undersecretary of the Department of Health, expressed his deep gratitude to the BHWs for their contributions to the implementation of health programs in their respective communities. He also emphasized their crucial role as compassionate hands, observant eyes, listening ears, and voices that deliver essential healthcare services to the people.

“Nais ko kayong (BHW) bigyang pugay dahil sa inyong walang sawang paglilingkod sa taumbayan. Kayong mga Barangay Health Workers and nagsisilbingmga kamay na mapagkalinga, ang mga matang mapagmasid, ang mga tengang dumidinig, at bibig nanaghahatid ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.” He stated.

These awards serve as recognition to the efforts, hard work and dedication of the BHWs in the ministry’s plight to improve the healthcare system of the region, ensuring that Bangsamoro constituents have access to quality healthcare services.