Webinar | Community Health Workers in the Philippines: Community Action for Health and Social Justice
- Session organized by Viva Salud and Council for Health and Development
- Friday 17th April
- 12.00 -13.30 CEST | 6:00–7:30 PM (Manila time)
Background
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a critical role in ensuring access to health care for marginalized communities and in strengthening community-based primary health care. Across many contexts, they serve as the bridge between communities and health systems, particularly in underserved rural areas and urban poor communities where access to formal health services remains limited.
In the Philippines, the concept of Community-Based Health Programs (CBHP) emerged in 1973 as a response from communities, health professionals, and social movements to widespread health inequities and the lack of accessible public health services. Developed during a period marked by political repression and deep social inequalities, CBHPs sought to empower communities to take an active role in addressing their own health needs. Over the past five decades, these programs have evolved into a dynamic grassroots movement linking health, human rights, and social justice, while advocating for a stronger and more equitable public health system.
Today, Community Health Workers supported by the Council for Health and Development (CHD) continue to play an essential role in responding to the health needs of communities across the Philippines. They are often at the forefront of responding to crises such as natural disasters, public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and everyday challenges faced by communities living in poverty. Beyond delivering health education and basic services, CHWs also mobilize communities around broader social issues affecting health, including access to medicines, environmental risks, and the right to quality public health care.
Their experiences highlight how community-led health initiatives not only improve access to care but also strengthen community organizing, solidarity, and collective action for the realization of the right to health.
Structure
- Opening remarks (5 minutes)
Introduction by Medicus Mundi International - Context setting (10–15 minutes)
A representative from Viva Salud will present the organization’s work in supporting social movements and community-based initiatives that promote the right to health and stronger public health systems.
A representative from CHD will then introduce the context of Community-Based Health Programs (CBHP) in the Philippines, a grassroots approach developed since 1973 to address health inequities and strengthen community participation in health. - Panel discussion (40–45 minutes)
Interactive panel discussion followed by Community Health Worker testimonies ( short videos, with english subtitles) highlighting the experiences of CHWs working in different contexts:
– CHWs’ role during disasters and health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, evacuation situations)
– CHWs’ role in community organizing and health campaigns-
– CHWs’ role in broader movements advocating for people’s rights and democratic participation - Discussion and Q&A with the audience (20 minutes)
The format will allow participants to engage directly with practitioners and hear firsthand experiences from community health workers working on the ground.
Speakers
Marie-Lou Badie – Policy and Campaign Officer for the Philippines, Viva Salud.
She will present the organization’s work in supporting social movements and community-based initiatives that promote the right to health and stronger public health systems.
Emelina Buenaventura – Executive Director, Council for Health and Development.
She will introduce the context of Community-Based Health Programs (CBHP) in the Philippines, a grassroots approach developed since 1973 to address health inequities and strengthen community participation in health.
Marlyn Roda Sebastian – CHW, Pasig City
She will speak about CHWs’ role during disasters and health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, evacuation situations)
Rosebe Tulawe – CHW, Quezon City
She will present CHWs’ role in community organizing and health campaigns.
Rayne Suyam-Gallawen – CHW and staff of Community Health Education, Services, and Training in the Cordillera Region
She will address CHWs’ role in broader movements advocating for people’s rights and democratic participation.
