24/11/2025
IN PHOTOS: CDO Barangay Representatives Join PRO-Health Workshop on Strengthening TPA-Enabled Health Units
Representatives from Barangays Kauswagan, Indahag, and Bulua took part in the PRO-Health Workshop Series on TPA-Enabled Health Units held on 22–23 June 2025 in Apo View Hotel- Davao City. The two-day capacity-building initiative—organized by Government Watch (G-Watch) in partnership with local stakeholders—aimed to fortify community-based health service delivery through Transparency, Participation, and Accountability (TPA) mechanisms.
Barangay Kauswagan was represented by SK Councilor Efren F. Corpuz. Barangay Indahag delegated Kagawad Agustine R. Laron, Barangay Health Worker Julieta Q. Labiano, and GAD Focal Person Diana U. Apostol. From Barangay Bulua, Mental Health Officer Angeline Ogates and Administration Staff Lusita Zulieta took part in the sessions. They were joined by the G-Watch CDO Core Team led by Local Coordinator Emman Mayor and Core Member Justine Paquit.
The workshop addressed persistent governance gaps surfaced through PRO-Health monitoring—among them non-functional feedback mechanisms, the limited reach of barangay-level information, education, and communication (IEC) efforts, and the inactivity of many Barangay Health Councils (BHCs). Through discussions on Philippine health governance, the Universal Health Care (UHC) framework, and the roles of Local Health Boards and multi-sectoral bodies, participants revisited the essential foundations of a rights-based and community-responsive health system.
Sessions further highlighted strategic TPA approaches, demonstrating how transparency tools, citizen participation, and accessible communication materials can strengthen trust, accountability, and health-seeking behavior in communities. In hands-on workshops, barangay representatives evaluated their current IEC materials, social media presence, and health information systems; drafted improved communication plans; redesigned IEC content; and reviewed Citizen Charters and feedback channels in line with TPA principles. Participants also developed action points to operationalize transparency boards, improve reporting systems, and activate or revitalize their Barangay Health Councils.
The two-day training culminated in a commitment circle, where barangay delegates and the G-Watch CDO team affirmed their collective resolve to sustain PRO-Health initiatives.
G-Watch Convener-Director Joy Aceron emphasized the program’s impact, stating:
“Isang indication ko of the success of PRO-Health ay ito—ang gathering na ito… In the span of less than two years, nakabuo sina Gellie at Emman ng sarili nilang chapters, G-Watch General Santos at G-Watch Cagayan de Oro. At sana sa prosesong ito, makasama kayo, kasi we want you to be part of those localities… representing your barangays.”
All participating barangays signaled their commitment to developing fully TPA-enabled health units and institutionalizing mechanisms that guarantee accessible, accountable, and citizen-centered health services for their communities.
