The Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) of Region XII were technically enriched on March 12 during the conduct of the first (1st) episode of the online webinar series (OWS), one of the components of the project entitled “Serye sa Dose: BHERTs Katuwang sa Mas Ligtas na Komunidad”. BHERTS have been at the frontline in the fight against coronavirus for more than a year and they played a huge part in the COVID-19 response of the local government units.
“SERYE SA DOSE”, an initiative of DILG XII, served as a platform for all the online advocacy activities being conducted by the regional office which include, but not limited to fora, webinars, meetings or orientations.
Knowing the significance of the BHERTs in emergencies at the barangay level, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular No. 2020-172 dated 22 December 2020, which aims to strengthen their capacities to be more effective and responsive in accomplishing their tasks; and to ensure that their actions are aligned with the national directives and policies in reducing the transmission of COVID-19.
Thus, the revitalized health response teams received their boost through the “Building Healthy Communities by Enhancing Capacities and Revitalizing BHERTs Towards COVID-19 Free Communities- Friends Responders In Ending Ncov DiseaseS or the “BHERT-FRIENDS Project.”
A total of 378 participants joined the virtual session composed of all the members of BHERTs in Region XII led by their Punong Barangays.
BHERT-FRIENDS Project, launched by DILG last 23 October 2020, together with the Department of Health (DOH), aims to increase the awareness of the general public on the vital roles of BHERT in the management of COVID-19 at the barangay level and to address the issues and concerns of the BHERTs in the performance of their functions.
Among the topics discussed were BarangayYan Agenda and Project; Facts about COVID-19; BHERTs Functions; and updates on the COVID-19 Vaccination Program.
DILG XII, in partnership with DOH-CHD XII, will soon conduct the 2nd episode of the OWS focusing on the operations of the BHERTs, and will continuously develop modules for the succeeding episodes of BHERT-FRIENDS Project.
DILG XII Regional Director Josephine Cabrido-Leysa, CESO III lauded the participation of each BHERT. It sends the right signal about their seriousness, determination and dedication in the war against Covid-19. “Though we may have the vaccines now, nothing beats the strict adherence to the minimum health protocols,” Dir. Leysa explained. “Ito’y bahagi pa rin ng ating Disipilina Muna Advocacy at nararapat lang na magpatuloy ito,” the Director also added.
