September 25, 2020 – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) DILG MIMAROPA formally started capacitating the qualified contact tracers in the Region via virtual orientation.
In partnership with the Department of Health Center for Health Development MIMAROPA, 973 contact tracers were oriented and trained on the proper and appropriate ways to effectively manage contact tracing, before engaging them in the field. The initiative is part of the DILG’s effort to strengthen its sustained measure to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 by employing 50,000 contact tracers throughout the country.
As part of the orientation, Noel Orosco of DOH MIMAROPA discussed effective strategies in detection, reporting, isolation, and treatment. He also noted the three major steps in contact tracing including identifying of cases, identifying close contacts, venues and settings, and taking immediate action.
“Kailangang siguruhin natin na ang mga impormasyon na manggagaling sa mga contacts ay mananatiling confidential at private”, Mr Orosco said.
Mr. Orosco also cited that as a contact tracer, one needs to be effective in communication skills and be trustworthy of sensitive and personal information to encourage patients to disclose relevant information.
In his welcome remarks, RD Wilhelm Suyko, DILG MIMAROPA expressed his gratitude to the training team and to the DILG Provincial Directors, City Director, Division/Unit Chiefs, Field Offices, and partners agencies for their support to the endeavor.
“This training will serve as foundational knowledge for our contact tracers to devise strategic responses and capture in-depth skills in tracing contacts”, shared RD Suyko.
He also hoped that the activity would yield success to finally curb the COVID-19 pandemic as the region and the country grapple for the pandemic’s tremendous effects.
Training facilitators actively engaged the participants in the virtual session while strictly enforcing minimum health standards and protocols. All participants particularly those in large groups were required to wear face mask and face shield and were strongly required to maintain social distancing to prevent any physical contact.
“Contact tracing is an essential tool to identify carriers of an infectious disease and identify those who have been exposed, in an effort to isolate those at risk and halt the spread of the disease”, ARD Rey Maranan said in his closing address.
As of September 25, 2020, the Region has already recorded a total of 2,144 applicants, 1,810 of them have been assessed and over 1, 500 have been recommended for hiring. The Region is still set to hire the remaining contact tracers to complete the 1,529 targets.
By: LGOO II Whalee Ferrera