Congratulations to the New Community Health Workers of Pasig!

On July 12, 2026, the Council for Health and Development (CHD) successfully held the graduation ceremony for the Community Health Workers (CHWs) who completed the Basic Health Skills Training. The newly trained CHWs from Sitio Mangga and Sitio Lupang Mitra in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City, are now equipped to provide essential primary health services to their respective communities.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Mr. Rodrigo Rosales, President of the Homeowner’s Association, Ms. Edilyn “Inday” Murcia Barit, Vice Chairperson for External Affairs of the Samahan ng Manggagawang Kristiyanong Pamayanan (SMKP), Ms. Amy Laviste, Program Coordinator of the Labor Ministry of the Diocese of Novaliches, and Mr. Andrew Aytin from the Viva Salud Philippines Country Office.

In her message, Ms. Barit encouraged the graduates by saying: “Never stop learning. The knowledge you have gained should not be learned but also put into practice, not just in serving your neighbors, but first within yourself and your family. What you have learned should not remain with you alone. Share it with other communities as well.”

Ms. Laviste also emphasized the importance of unity and service: “Our mission comes from the hearts and minds. Let us remain united from Novaliches to Pasig and continue working together. By doing so, we can identify and respond to the health concerns of our communities more effectively.”

Recognizing the value of training, Mr. Aytin shared: “This training empowers your community to help, serve, and work together to ensure that everyone has access to proper healthcare services while standing up for their right to health.”

Strengthening Communities to Advance the Right to Health

The graduation of these CHWs is more than a recognition of their training. It is an important step toward empowering communities to uphold and promote their right to health. Through their knowledge, skills, and dedication, CHWs are better prepared to share accurate health information, support community health programs, and serve as bridge between residents and healthcare services.

As a result, communities become more capable of protecting their health, actively participating in health initiatives, and advocating for safe, accessible, free, and quality healthcare services. In this way, they help build communities founded on compassion, unity, and active participation for the well-being of everyone.

As Mr. Aytin said: “Real change begins with us. When we are informed, capable, and compassionate toward others, no one will be left behind in the pursuit of better health.”