In health advocacy and community empowerment, CHESTCORE (Community Health Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region) continues to stand firm in its mission and vision to advance people’s rights. Significant engagements and initiatives have marked the first semester of 2024.
Fostering Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
Official photo by the by the Philippine Center for Health Research and Development
On February 21, 2024, CHESTCORE participated in the activity “Development of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation in Health Research Agenda 2023-2028 Luzon Cluster”, hosted by the Philippine Center for Health Research and Development. During this workshop, CHESTCORE actively advocated for the inclusion of climate-resilient, nutrient-rich plants as a crucial research topic. This initiative underscores CHESTCORE’s proactive approach to addressing environmental challenges while promoting sustainable nutrition practices among communities.
March 19, 2024, marked another milestone as CHESTCORE joined the formation of the Baguio-Benguet Reproductive Health Advocacy Network, convened by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines Baguio-Benguet Chapter. This network aims to enhance access to the region’s comprehensive reproductive health services and education. CHESTCORE reaffirms its commitment to promoting informed choices and improving maternal and child health outcomes through advocacy and collaboration by participating in this initiative.
Further, CHESTCORE participated in the 12th Regional Research Conference sponsored by the Cordillera Regional Health Research and Development Consortium (CRHRDC) on June 18-19, 2024. This conference provided a valuable opportunity for CHESTCORE to listen to recently conducted health research, expand its network of health professionals and institutions, and explore potential collaborations for future research endeavors. Such engagements enrich CHESTCORE’s knowledge base and strengthen its partnerships within the healthcare community.
Advancing Health Workers’ Rights and Welfare
Participants of the National Health Workers’ Day celebration in Baguio City agreed to the provisions of House Bill 6132 or the Magna Carta of Private Health Workers. This House Bill 6132 aims to narrow the disparity in salaries and benefits between health workers in the private sector and their counterparts in the public sector. Health Workers in the public sector were enlightened on their benefits under the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers and committed to joining advocacy activities.
CHESTCORE actively engaged in the AHW (Alliance of Health Workers) Council of Leaders Annual Assessment and Planning. This event provided a platform to assess the needs and challenges faced by healthcare workers while also strategizing for future initiatives that uphold their rights and welfare. CHESTCORE underscores its dedication to supporting healthcare workers and advocating for better working conditions and professional development opportunities by participating in these discussions.
Looking Forward: Advancing the People’s Right to Health
As CHESTCORE navigates through the remainder of 2024 and beyond, its commitment to advancing accessible and affordable healthcare remains steadfast. Through proactive research, advocacy for reproductive health, empowerment of healthcare workers, and fostering collaboration, CHESTCORE continues to make tangible strides toward achieving equitable healthcare outcomes in Luzon. CHESTCORE ensures that healthcare remains a fundamental right for all, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location, by championing the rights of communities and empowering stakeholders.
In conclusion, CHESTCORE’s initiatives in the first semester of 2024 reflect its unwavering dedication to promoting health equity and resilience. By participating in critical research agendas, advocating for reproductive health rights, supporting healthcare workers, and fostering collaboration, CHESTCORE exemplifies its role as a catalyst for positive change in the Philippine healthcare landscape. #CHESTCORE