Bontoc, Mountain Province – The Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU), through the Municipal Health Office (MHO), has collaborated with the Department of Health (DOH) to further enhance provincial and municipal health outcomes by strengthening the health systems in the barangays of Bontoc.
This collaborative effort was realized on August 27, 2024, through a one-day seminar-workshop titled the Barangay Leadership and Management Program (BLMP) held at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium. The event, facilitated by both the MHO and DOH, brought together key health leaders from the 16 barangays of Bontoc, including the Punong Barangays, Kagawad on Health, midwives, and Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).
Throughout the seminar, the participants were engaged in activities designed to enhance their knowledge and leadership skills equipping them to effectively address the health challenges within their barangays. These activities aimed to help them devise strategic solutions for building a sustainable and resilient barangay health system.
One key initiative is the formation of an active Barangay Health Governance Body (BHGB), which will play a vital role in delivering essential health services to the barangays and ensuring that all community members are involved in creating a healthy barangay. The BHGB will comprise members such as the Punong Barangay, Midwife, Barangay Kagawad on Health, Barangay Secretary, Barangay Treasurer, BHW President, Barangay Nutrition Scholar, SK Chairperson, 4Ps Parent Leader, IP Leader, and School Principal.
Municipal Health Officer Dr. Diga Kay Gomez emphasized the importance of the BHGB, stating that it will be responsible for conducting regular quarterly meetings on the health status of the barangay, providing health updates to the Local Health Board, and promoting strong local leadership in health. The BHGB will also oversee health issues from analysis and planning to implementation, management, and investigation.
Dr. Gomez highlighted the crucial role of community participation in addressing health issues, noting that an engaged community is key to building a sustainable and resilient health system.
Meanwhile, Development Management Officer IV Madelyn Tudlong from the DOH-Provincial Office urged the barangay leaders to take ownership of the health challenges faced by their communities, stressing that their role as leaders of their barangays should not be seen as a burden but as an opportunity to enact meaningful change.
Tudlong also noted the importance of adopting a Bridging Leadership approach, which involves fostering collaboration between the barangay and various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, community groups, and the private sector. This approach is designed to create a network of support that leverages the strengths and resources of each partner to develop comprehensive and effective solutions to health challenges. By working together, stakeholders can address complex health issues more efficiently, ensuring that interventions are sustainable and tailored to the specific needs of each barangay. This collaborative effort can also help build trust within the community, as it shows a collective commitment to improving health outcomes.
In his message, Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., acknowledged the dedication of the barangay leaders and health workers and reiterated the LGU’s commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the health and well-being of all Bontoc residents.
The mayor further encouraged the participants to fully engage in the one-day seminar, advising them to make the most of the opportunity by both learning from and enjoying the activities organized by the host.
Sangguniang Bayan Benedict Odsey II, who is also the Chairperson of the Committee in Health, commended the participants for their attendance, adding that their presence is a manifestation of their commitment to implementing health programs and readiness to take the lead in addressing health challenges in their respective villages.
The seminar-workshop marks a significant milestone in Bontoc’s journey toward a healthier community, with the active participation of its barangays in leading the charge towards better health outcomes. ** Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan, Bontoc LGU
