LUBAO, Pampanga— Some 1,112 barangay health workers from the municipalies of the second congressional district namely Lubao, Guagua, Sasmuan, Porac, Floridablanca and Sta. Rita gathered at the Pineda Gym this town, last Tuesday.
The activity dubbed as “Malusug a Pamikatawan Tungu keng Maunlad a Cabalenan” was in line with the observance of Women’s month.
Governor Pineda stressed the vital role of every bhw in the province. She called their attention to observe their selves as they are susceptible to a lot of illnesses due to their occupation.
“You’re our front liners when it comes to our services. You are the reason why our programs reach the far-flung communities of the province,” the governor said.
During the assembly, Dexter Maglalang, chief social officer of PhilHealth Angeles city branch discussed the programs and benefits that the elderly and women can avail at PhilHealth.
The event also featured a lecture by Dr Hil Dineros, a surgeon from a leading health care facility in the country, regarding breast and cervical cancer which are the leading causes of mortality and morbidity of women in the Philippines.
Dr. Dineros disclosed that Pampanga has the highest prevalence rate of breast and cervical cancer in the country.
“The high prevalence rate means Kapampangan women are more aware about the two cancer types and that is because of the awareness programs of the local government and health workers,” Dineros said.
Meanwhile, Governor Pineda urged the health workers to avail of the free services including pap’s smear, mammography and laboratory check-ups offered by the provincial and district hospitals.
The lady governor also initiated a zumba session after the activity.
Regional barangay health worker coordinator Leonora Aquino lauded Governor Pineda for the said program.
“Mapalad ‘yung mga health workers dito sa Pampanga dahil malaki ang pagpapahalagang binibigay sa kanila ng provincial government,” Aquino said.
Ismelda Quinto, a health worker from Lubao, expressed her gratitude to the Pineda administration.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako dahil ‘yung mga serbisyo at programa ni Governor Pineda ay nakakaabot sa mga kagaya kong volunteer,” she said.
According to Dr. Imelda Ignacio, Provincial Health Officer I for Public Health, a series of BHW general assembly will also be conducted to the other congressional districts of Pampanga.
Present in the event were board members Crisostomo Garbo, Arthur Salalila, Anthony Joseph Torres, Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, provincial heads, and 2nd district hospital heads.
By Liezel Cayanan
