
Since 2022, Synergeia has made it a priority to spend time each year with the Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of Marawi City. Over time, we have formed a meaningful bond with these dedicated community workers, inspired by their growing commitment to their roles as community health advocates. The transformation of Marawi’s BHWs is a story of learning, empowerment and purpose.
In the beginning, many of the BHWs served in title only. Their work lacked the passion and compassion that are essential to the role. They had limited knowledge of basic medical care, such as first aid, and were unable to offer guidance on preventive health measures. But through consistent training and support from Synergeia—made possible by a grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), they began to evolve.
They were trained in first aid and essential medical care, including monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, oxygen levels, and body temperature. They also learned to use devices and tools like BP monitors, glucometers, oximeters, and thermometers. This hands-on training empowered them to respond more effectively to medical emergencies and provide proactive community care.
Over time, we witnessed a profound transformation. The BHWs grew in confidence and took pride in their work. They became respected health partners in their communities, regularly assisting residents with health checks and medical guidance. Residents of the community began to visit health centers for routine blood pressure and sugar monitoring. BHWs also conducted house-to-house visits and health profiling to assess residents’ conditions and update the barangay health database.
Their role expanded further: assisting doctors and nurses with vaccination drives and deworming campaigns, supporting pregnant mothers with prenatal checkups, and spreading awareness about essential health programs from the City Health Office. They became trusted messengers, encouraging community members to seek medical attention and adopt healthier lifestyles.
At the most recent Synergeia training on July 5, 2025, BHWs shared the many ways they’ve been making a difference: conducting surveys of household and communal toilets, identifying malnourished children, supporting mothers during post-partum care, promoting family planning, and emphasizing the importance of child immunization.
During the session, Dr. Rey Aquino shared practical tips on preventive health care—how to avoid illness through self-care, stress management, a healthy diet, regular exercise, good sleep, and routine medical checkups. He reminded everyone that “health is wealth,” and that lasting change begins with a healthy lifestyle and strong social support.
But the journey doesn’t end here. The BHWs expressed a desire for continued capacity-building. They want to be better equipped to address post-partum care, child development, and child malnutrition. They wish to deepen their understanding of infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and STD, learning how to recognize symptoms, educate others on prevention, and provide appropriate care. They also emphasized the need for further education on sanitation, proper toilet use, waste management, and access to potable/clean water.
As the training concluded, the BHWs acquired new knowledge, first aid kits, a supply of essential medicines, and hearts full of hope. Their journey reflects the power of education, the value of community service, and the beauty of transformation. They are not just barangay health workers—they are champions of health and healing in Marawi City.
