CBHP project with DSWD ends

The VPHCS has concluded its two-year capability-building project funded by the Bayan Muna Party-List and supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in five barangays in Cebu.

The two-year project which started in June 2011, “Building community-based health programs (CBHP) in Cebu through training, education and services,” was implemented in Barangay T. Padilla, Sitio Ermita Proper in Barangay Ermita, and Sitio Lawis in Barangay Pasil in Cebu City, Sitio Back of Matimco, Barangay Subangdaku in Mandaue City, and Barangay Canjulao in Lapu-lapu City. Beneficiaries in the barangays included 310 households in Barangay T. Padilla, 240 households in Sitio Ermita Proper, 220 households in Sitio Lawis, 160 households in Sitio Back of Matimco, and 500 households in Barangay Canjulao.

Community health workers attend basic health skills training

The project worked with people’s organizations in the communities, including the Pundok sa Sitio Para sa Kauswagan (PSPK) in T. Padilla, Ermita Fisherfolks Association in Ermita, Pasil Women’s Association in Pasil, KALUWASAN in Sitio Back of Matimco, and the Nagkahisang Kabus sa Lapu-lapu in Canjulao. They have health committees with community health workers (CHWs). 

Health education on dengue fever in Canjulao

A series of health skills trainings of three levels were conducted for 75 CHWs in the five barangays in order to equip them with basic knowledge and skills to render preventive, promotive and selective curative care to the residents. Health education classes were also conducted among residents in the areas to promote health awareness with the aim to empower them in terms of health care delivery on common health problems that can be prevented in the community level. The VPHCS staff also guided, monitored and upgraded the knowledge and skills of the trained CHWs in between trainings as they delivered their health services to the residents.

Health education on acute respiratory infection in T. Padilla

The project is highly significant today with the prevalence of common health problems that can be addressed in the community level. It has been observed that people seek tertiary care in the hospitals when they are already affected with serious illnesses that could have been prevented in their early stage in their homes. With increased health awareness and capacity in knowing, preventing and taking care of their own health needs through home remedies and indigenous resources in their communities, the incidence of serious illnesses and preventable ailments can be lessened. Eventually, the high cost of hospital care which unfortunately is now generally shouldered from out-of-the pockets can also be lessened. In the long term, quality of life can be enhanced.

Community health workers making lagundi syrup for cough in Ermita

Community health workers doing ventusa in Canjulao

Pencil for a Cause

The Students Alliance for Community Health Services (SACHS) based in Tagbilaran City, with staff of the Visayas Primary Health Care Services led by VPHCS Bohol project coordinator Dr. Grace Molina conducted the 5th Pencil for a Cause Project in Barangay Tinibgan, Municipality of Maribojoc, Bohol last June 8. 

The annual activity of the SACHS was held in the Tinibgan Elementary School in coordination with the Tinibgan Farmers Organization.

A total of 110 children of families belonging to the organization received school supplies including pencils, ball pens, notebook, pad paper, eraser, sharpener, paste, scissors, white plastic envelope, and ruler. 

SACHS members gave a lecture and demonstration on personal hygiene and proper hand washing to the students before the distribution of the school supplies. Parlor games were also conducted later for the children who all had fun and enjoyment. 

The activity is a yearly project of the SACHS which was organized by the VPHCS in Bohol. The student organization with members coming from different nursing schools including University of Bohol and Holy Name University in Tagbilaran City has been very active in medical missions and community outreach programs initiated by the VPHCS.