The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Zambales headed by Provincial Director Armi V. Bactad — in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH) Zambales — and Zambales Police Provincial Office (ZPPO) — conducted a follow-through online training for the 103 newly-hired contact tracers (CTs) on October 12, 2020 via Zoom meeting.

Ms. Helen Luna and Ms. Jocelyn Pascua of DOH discussed the COVID-19 Contact Tracing essentials including— protocols, safety procedures, proper conduct of interview, confidentiality and privacy of COVID-19 positive patients to be observed by the CTs in the conduct of contact tracing in the community. Meanwhile, PCPT Jan Reanel B. Romero, acting chief of police of the Iba Municipal Police Station shared the basic law enforcement interventions and basic rules and regulations to keep in mind while performing contact tracing duties.

"This program is the silver lining para sa mga nawalan ng trabaho kaya let us do our best. We at DILG Zambales is the only Province to conduct a follow through activity. We are doing our best para matulungan kayo na maging prepared sa trabaho," PD Bactad said in her message.

A simulation exercise followed in the afternoon wherein the newly hired contact tracers were given a feel of what to expect once deployed in the LGUs. Field Officers served as observers and provided inputs on how the CTs can further improve their skills.

By: LGOOs VI Cindy C. Cagalitan, Sheryl Ann Q. Dungca and Kristine Joy B. Pesimo