TESDA certification for city’s BHWs eyed

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival is eyeing Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) certification for more than 1,000 barangay health workers (BHWs) in a bid to strengthen Cebu City’s frontline healthcare services.

The proposal was discussed during a courtesy visit by representatives of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Region VII’s Regional Training Center, led by Acting Chief Veramie Geonzon.

Coordinated through the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP), the initiative aims to professionalize BHWs and enhance the delivery of basic healthcare services at the community level.

The city government is also preparing to register DMDP as an accredited training center, which would pave the way for the offering of additional technical and vocational courses such as plumbing, automotive servicing, and digital marketing.

Archival said the programs should benefit not only residents but also City Hall employees, as part of efforts to upgrade skills across the local government workforce.

The mayor also joined officials of PhilHealth at the Cebu Provincial Capitol for the launch of the Guaranteed and Accessible Medications for Outpatient Treatment (GAMOT) benefit.

The GAMOT program covers 75 essential medicines for chronic and acute conditions, providing up to P20,000 annually per member and qualified dependent.

Beyond financial assistance, the program signals a shift toward preventive healthcare by integrating consultations, diagnostic services, screenings, and medicines under a coordinated system.

Archival’s presence at the launch underscored the city government’s commitment to aligning local health priorities with national strategies.

Meanwhile, several Cebu City health initiatives and institutions were recognized for their contributions to public health.

The City Hospitalization Assistance and Medicines Program (CHAMP) received the Jade Award – Partners in Care from Chong Hua Hospital, affirming its role in providing hospitalization assistance and medicines to indigent Cebuanos.

Executive Director Raychie Lomongo and Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar accepted the award, highlighting the strong partnership between the city government and private healthcare providers.

The Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), led by Dr. Anton Oliver Reposar, was also recognized as the only health facility in Region VII to receive a Plaque of Recognition from the Office of Civil Defense and the Central Visayas Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The recognition cited CCMC’s proactive disaster preparedness efforts and continued service during regional emergencies. — /FPL (FREEMAN)