Lingayen – Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. honored barangay health workers (BHWs) and day care workers (DCWs) in Pangasinan as “health care heroes” as he recognized their important roles for the promotion and implementation of health care programs and services by the provincial government in barangays.
During a series of amelioration assistance distribution to about 13,510 BHWs and 1,451 DCWs from 44 towns and three component cities of the province held from December 8 to 18 in different venues from first to sixth districts, Governor Espino along with Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. and provincial board members expressed gratitude to the sacrifices and hard work of BHWs and DCWs who serve their respective communities with commitment and dedication.
“Kayat ko nga maikarit tayo amin nga ar-aramiden tayo para kadagiti an-nak tayo,” (Gusto ko na maipagmalaki natin and lahat ng ginagawa natin para sa ating mga anak), Governor Espino stressed to the BHWs and DCWs as he pointed out that all things done by the present administration of local leaders are for the benefit of future generations.
Calling the workers as “frontline service providers,” Gov. Espino said the amelioration pay, which used to be in the amount of Php500 and was doubled this year, is still not enough to compensate their services in their communities.
“The amelioration might be a small amount, but this comes as a simple gift to show that the province is always here for you,” the provincial chief executive stressed.
Furthermore, Gov. Espino appealed to barangay service providers to “shun politics and to stay focused on helping the people in the community” as he poured sentiments that while the provincial government is doing its best to serve the people of Pangasinan, a group of detractors continues destroy the momentum by mixing politics.
Vice Governor Calimlim, who serenaded the barangay workers with his “Ikaw na Nga” rendition said that the activity was more of a renewal of vows and a testament to the good relationship between the community service providers and the provincial government, saying: “Kayo ang pamamaraan para mailapit ang Kapitolyo sa mga barangay.”
Meanwhile, Board Member and Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial President Amado “Pogi” Espino, III vowed to continue working towards the progress and development of Pangasinan which was started by his father, particularly the programs that help ease the plight of the poor in barangays.
“Haan kayo kuma nga maum-uma nga tumulong kadagiti Pangasinense nga makasapol iti tulong yo,” (Huwag sana kayo magsawa na tumulong sa mga Pangasinense na nangangailangan ng tulong ninyo), BM Espino, a three-term Mayor of Bautista town, added.
BM Espino also took pride of various developments that the present provincial administration has carried out for the past year years, stressing that the amelioration pay is an acknowledgement of all the sacrifices BHWs and DCWs have been providing to people in communities