The local government is moving to standardize the qualifications of barangay health workers (BHWs) serving as Health Education and Promotion Officers (HEPOs) in Iloilo City, following a recommendation from the local health board.

“At least we can equip them, according to the guidelines set by Universal Health Care, provide them with ample knowledge with regards to their responsibility, and enhance their communication skills,” Councilor Alan Zaldivar, chair of the committee on health, sanitation, and hospital services at the Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council), said on Thursday.

Zaldivar sponsored the resolution that formally establishes the qualifications and criteria recommended by the health board, which was approved during the council’s regular session on Wednesday.

Based on the criteria set by the local health board, health workers serving as HEPOs must be physically fit to perform their duties as front-liners in the primary healthcare systems.

They must know basic healthcare practices and interpersonal communication skills, be able to assess community health needs, address concerns, and rally the community towards improving overall public health.

They must be at least 18 years old and at most 65 years of age.

Zaldivar noted that some health programs have been underutilized due to BHWs’ lack of training in promoting health advocacy campaigns.

He explained that by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, they could strengthen their capacity to effectively promote public health initiatives.

Currently, BHWs receive an allowance of about PHP3,000. (PNA)