RECOGNIZING THE CHAMPIONS OF HEALTH THROUGH THE 3RD BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS’ SUMMIT

Empowering BHW: Champions of Community Wellness and Resilience

Manolo Fortich celebrated and empowered its champions of health and wellness during the 3rd Barangay Health Workers’ (BHW) Summit, hosted by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) at the Municipal Gymnasium on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The event gathered over 266 BHWs from the municipality's 22 barangays, providing them with a well-deserved day of recognition and appreciation.

This year’s summit, themed “Empowering BHW: Champions of Community Wellness and Resilience,” highlighted the resilience of BHWs who serve as dedicated frontliners in their respective barangays. The summit also served as an opportunity for the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich to reward and honor these hardworking individuals.

In his message, Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño expressed his gratitude and admiration for the BHWs, recognizing them as true heroes of the communit, "Ato gyud ning giila na mao jud ni sila (BHWs) nakatabang sa atong mga kabarangayan. Nasayod ko nga ulan o init, adlaw o gabii, gatrabaho mo. Kinasing-kasing nako gipasalamat ang atong mga bayani sa mga barangay, sa inyong pagtabang para sa kaayohan sa panglawas sa atong mga kaigsoonan," said Mayor Quiño.

As frontliners in community health, the BHWs played a vital role in the municipality’s 2024 school immunization programs, significantly improving vaccination rates, "Mapasalamaton kami kay tungod kaninyo, napataas gyud nato ang fully immunized children sa atong lungsod. Pinakataas ta karon sa Bukidnon," said Councilor Joy L. Cordovez, Committee Chairperson on Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition.

To celebrate their dedication and achievements, the summit featured exciting activities, including the distribution of free blood pressure apparatus to each barangay. Raffle draws added to the excitement, with prizes such as water bottles, multi-cooker machines, waffle makers, electric irons, electric fans, and a washing machine.

The event also hosted a dance contest, with Barangay Kalugmanan winning 2nd Runner-Up, Barangay Santiago taking 1st Runner-Up, and Barangay Lunocan emerging as the Champion. A highlight of the summit was the recognition of 22 outstanding BHWs, one from each barangay, for their exemplary performance and dedication.

Among the awardees was Irish Mae Blanquero from Barangay Sto. Niño, who emphasized the importance of initiative and commitment in her role, "Importante gyud pud ani nga trabaho nga naay initiative kay dili baya basta-basta ang trabaho, health sa tao ang among giatiman. Importante na responsable gyud ta sa pag-asikaso para adunay wellness sa tanan," shared Blanquero.

The summit featured Pyramid Consolidated Builders, Inc. President Engr. Earl L. Navarro and Regional BHW Coordinator Gloria Labastin as guest speakers. Also in attendance were Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr., Councilor Rina E. Quiño, Councilor Christy "Tata" Leparto, Councilor Elzevir A. Dagunlay, and Councilor Raquel Abales.