1,163 BHWs in Kalinga hold Barangay Health Workers Congress; Commitment and passion for work underscored

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In celebration of their dedication and service, barangay health workers (BHWs) from across the province gathered at the Kalinga Sports Complex on December 12 for the Barangay Health Workers Congress.

The event was an initiative of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO) of the Kalinga Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), aimed at honoring the hard work and commitment of local health workers.

Designated Provincial BHW Coordinator Alona Bagtang shared that there are 1,063 accredited and 100 registered barangay health workers in the province. She added that accredited BHWs are those registered in the Department of Health (DOH) registry.

“Mayroon tayong 1,063 accredited at 100 registered barangay health workers. Ang mga BHW na ito ay pawang volunteers lamang. Kapag isang taon na silang volunteer, maaari na silang ma-register sa MRAC o Municipal Registration and Accreditation Committee. Pagkatapos ng dalawang taon, saka sila maa-accredit at maipapasok sa registry ng DOH,” Bagtang explained.

She added that under provincial policy, only accredited BHWs receive provincial incentives, while those registered under their respective municipalities receive separate benefits from their local governments.

The Provincial BHW Coordinator further noted that the province provides annual incentives amounting to ₱3,500, which are distributed during the BHW Congress. In addition, municipalities and barangays also provide their own benefits. In Tabuk City, incentives are given quarterly—₱7,500 for accredited BHWs and ₱4,500 for registered BHWs.

Bagtang also shared her message to the BHWs, emphasizing the importance of commitment and passion in their work.

“So ti message ko lang kadagituy BHW tayo, kanayun mi met nga ibaga kanyada nga commitment latta koma iti trabaho da, uray volunteers da. Nu haan ka nga committed iti pinasok mo, awan ti serbi na, ken masapul met ti compassion kadagiti pasyente da,” Bagtang said.

The event was attended by various local officials and stakeholders, including Governor James S. Edduba, represented by Atty. Romel Tumonggao; Vice Governor Dave Q. Odiem; Board Member Alfredo Dangani; Pastor Jude Macanas; and Dr. Marilyn Duyan of the Office of the Provincial Health Officer.