CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – In a bid to get support in the implementation of the preventive measure for the possible entry of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Acute Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV ARD), some 3,608 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) attended a Health Summit yesterday.
The summit held at Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC) here was made realized in cooperation with the Department of Health (DOH).
Governor Dennis ‘Delta’ Pineda said the BHWs play an important role in the preventive measure implemented in the province against the virus by coordinating with hospitals for the suspected individuals or persons under investigation.
“Napakahalaga po na alam niyo ang gagawin niyo dahil kayo po ang number one line of defense namin sa barangay. Kayo po ang inaasahan naming maging responsible for disseminating the right information and monitoring in case may kababayan tayo from affected countries,” Delta said.
The governor asked for the full cooperation and help of the health workers to work hand in hand with the provincial government in keeping the province safe from the virus.
Dr. Marcelo Jaochico, Provincial Health Officer, said the event aimed at educating the community workers on the correct procedures of dealing with possible cases of the said virus in their barangay.
Moreover, the event, dubbed as “Strengthening Community Preparedness Against 2019-Novel Coronavirus (n-CoV) through Proper Education and Information Dissemination”, highlighted topics that would heightened the awareness of the BHWs on the 2019-nCoV.
Dr. Ma. Eloisa Vidar, Cluster Head, Infectious Diseases DOH Central Luzon Center for Health and Development (CLCHD) presented the updates, transmission, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the virus. She also discussed the procedures on how to practice personal protective measures and their role to help in protecting the community.
Dr. Joy Aiza Sombillo, HEMS Coordinator and ER Head of Jose B. Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital (JBLMRH) tackled the protocol on referral system and management of cases.
Lastly, Theresa Marie Bondoc, Health Education and Promotion Officer of DOH-CLCHD, informed the health workers on risk communication.
Meanwhile, Chairperson Committee on Health and Board Member Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab thanked the health workers for their dedication and support in the health programs of the Capitol.
Also present to support the event were BMs Rosve Henson, Benjamin Jocson, Paul Balingit, Olga Frances David-Dizon, Cherry Manalo, Renato Mutuc, Nelson Calara, Ananias Canlas, and Venancio Macapagal.