Xavier University's Governance and Leadership Institute (XU-GLI) convened Opol health volunteers on ways they can improve health services delivery in their municipality.

 
L-R: DOH Representative Tessie Sebedo, Opol Mayor Max Seno and Opol Health Officer Dr Emily Grace Banal during the MLGP Training in Opol, Misamis Oriental. Photo Credit: Cobbie Karagdag

by Wilson J Hormeguera

The health volunteers assembly held on Nov 28 at Opol Central School, in partnership with the Local Government of Opol, is part of the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program (MLGP), a joint health leadership training program of the Department of Health - Regional Office X, Zuellig Family Foundation and Xavier University.

MLGP aims to improve health outcomes through empowering leadership and governance, enhanced local health systems, active community participation and effective delivery of basic services at the local level.  

The assembly covered the analysis of health issues, such as infant death and maternal death, and discussions on the role of health volunteers in addressing health issues of the community.

The session drew together the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Health Volunteers from different barangays of the municipality. The BHWs serve as community health navigators reporting to the Municipal Health Officer and receiving a minimal monthly honorarium.

“The goal of the assembly is to highlight the key role of health volunteers in achieving better health outcomes, which cannot be done by the LGU alone,” said former Opol Mayor and now XU-GLI Director Dixon Yasay. “These volunteers are our daily heroes in the community.”

The LGU of Opol, through Hon Mayor Maximo Seno and Dr Emily Grace Banal, is currently enrolled in the MLGP.