The Provincial Confederation of Barangay Health Workers (PC-BHW) of Camarines Sur, in partnership with the Provincial Government, celebrated Barangay Health Workers Day on April 24, 2026, at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex in Cadlan, Pili. The celebration brought together more than 2,000 barangay health workers (BHWs) from across the province, along with their district officers and federation representatives.
With the theme "Barangay Health Workers: Dakilang Lingkod Bayan, sa Kalusugan Maasahan," the annual celebration honored the dedication and selfless service of BHWs who work on the frontlines of community health, often going beyond their mandated roles to ensure the well-being of every Filipino family.
CamSur Provincial Department of Health Officer Rey J. Millena, MD, delivered a message of appreciation, acknowledging the BHWs' commitment.
"Nagpapasalamat ako ta yaon kamo nagtiyatiyaga despite of the honorarium and so on na benepisyo. Iyan nagpapahiling na ang pagserbi nindo talagang taos-puso," Millena said. “Secondary lang po an kwarta, however igwang nadadara ka sa komunidad tanganing mahale an mga kahelangan.”
Millena also highlighted PuroKalusugan, a national government initiative designed to bring primary healthcare directly to communities, or puroks, ensuring accessible, free, and comprehensive medical services aligned with the country's eight priority health outcomes. He further underscored the critical role of BHWs as the province of Camarines Sur prepares to enter the Universal Healthcare Integration Site.
Among the attendees was BHW Federation of Buhi President Evelyn Leona Odiada, who has served as a barangay health worker for 40 years. Reflecting on her decades of service, Odiada affirmed the BHW's unwavering presence in the community.
"Talagang an BHW ranihan kan gabos. Iyo ngani an sinasabi na ang BHW, 'from womb to tomb,' yaon po kami diyan," she said. “Nagseserbi maski po maraot ang panahon, maski po matanga ning banggi, pag inapod po ang BHW, yaon po kami diyan. Dai po kami naghahangad ning kadakulang kwarta. We are serving the community without any hesitation.”
Odiada also recalled the BHWs' extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period she described as one of the most defining chapters in their history. At a time when fear gripped communities nationwide, BHWs in Camarines Sur actively sought out Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) to conduct health monitoring, facilitate quarantine protocols, and provide essential support.
With gratitude, she furthered, “Grabe po ang pagpapasalamat ko sa gobyerno, lalo na po sa probinsya ning Camarines Sur, ta an suporta po samuya, dai po nahahali. She also emphasized that the occasion was a well-deserved moment of joy for BHWs everywhere. “Ini po ang sinasabi na bako lang pong puro trabaho. Dapat po igwa man dikit na kaogmahan.”
The Provincial Government of Camarines Sur reaffirmed its commitment to supporting BHWs by upholding their welfare, strengthening their capacities, and ensuring that their indispensable contributions to public health are recognized and sustained for generations to come.
