Barangay Health Workers are now designated as Barangay-Level Health Education and Promotion Officers (HEPOs) following the recent approval of a resolution by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) led by Vice Governor Rene Lopez Relampagos.
The resolution designating them as HEPOs is in support of the adoption of the Universal Health Care Act or Republic Act No. 11223.
The law aims to provide health services to every Filipino especially those in remote areas and ensure that Filipinos are health issues literate, provided with healthy living conditions and protected from health hazards and risks.
In an endorsement letter addressed to Relampagos, Gov. Arthur C. Yap has requested the SP to pass a resolution designating the BHW as HEPO.
The said letter was referred to the Joint Committees on Barangay Affairs and Committee on Health and Public Sanitation which conducted a meeting to discuss the matter.
The matter was referred to them with Hon. Romulo G. Cepedoza as the lead chairman and as chairperson of the Committee on Barangay Affairs.
The committees then recommended for the crafting of a resolution which was approved during the last session on Dec. 7, 2021.
The Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) recognizes the immense benefits of the much-enhanced health reforms in the full implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
Relampagos said he will fully support the programs that will strengthen the various health projects for the Boholanos, recognizing that health is one of the three pillars of Bohol’s development framework.
