The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, 29 October, to provide skills training, competency assessments and livelihood opportunities for barangay health workers (BHWs). The agreement was signed in Taguig City in the presence of the National Public Workers Congress (PUBLIK) and the Malayang Kalipunan ng Barangay Health Workers sa Pilipinas (Maka‑BHW Pilipinas‑PUBLIK). Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the partnership aims to expand professional development and employment opportunities for community health workers. “This MOU is very significant because it provides opportunities for BHWs on how they can access not just referrals, but various government opportunities coming from TESDA and DOLE relative to their present role,” Tolentino told reporters. “This is a recognition of what BHWs can do and what they can do more through proper skills and training,” he added. He also acknowledged the contributions of BHWs during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when they delivered frontline health services. TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, who also signed the agreement, emphasized that skills development is an important form of social protection. “President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed government agencies to strengthen the care economy and expand professional development opportunities for care workers,” Benitez said. “Under this agreement, qualified BHWs will gain access to recognition of prior learning, portfolio assessments, training support and assessment fee subsidies.” The partnership also covers livelihood assistance, employment facilitation and measures to promote gender equality and social inclusion. DOLE said the agreement will establish stronger coordination among participating agencies and organizations to improve access to training and employment services for community health workers nationwide.
Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune