CEBU, Philippines - The president of the National Confederation of Barangy Health Workers of the Philippines Inc. lamented the failure to implement benefits intended for the barangay health workers like insurance coverage and additional hazard pay among others.
Linda Badiano, NCBHWPI national president, said that while a bill providing additional benefits to BHWs has been proposed, many benefits under RA 7883 has not been implemented.
Rep. Anthony G. Del Rosario (1st District, Davao del Norte) is proposing additional benefits for BHWs in cognizance of their selfless service in bringing about health and well-being to the country.
He said barangay health workers receive meager allowances while braving remote areas in fulfilling their constitutional mandate of making health and other social services available to all the people.
Under the bill, Del Rosario proposed that a hazard allowance of P3,000 or higher shall be granted to volunteer BHWs in rural and urban areas who are exposed to risks in their work environment.
But Badiano said that under Republic Act7883 which was approved in 1995, it is already stipulated under the Implementing Rules and Guidelines giving such benefits to BHWs but until now it has remained unimplemented.
“It is best to implement it fully first before making a bill for any additional benefits,” she said.
House Bill 6177 also provides for the enrollment of all barangay health workers in the National Health Insurance Program to enable them to avail of personal health services and other supplementary health benefits provided by the Philippine Health insurance Corporation.
Earlier, former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar, who was the guest speaker during the Regional Barangay Health Workers Congress in Cebu, encouraged the BHWs to continue being hardworking and patient, and to engage in livelihood that cares for the environment.
Villar lauded the hard work and dedication of the BHWs, who continue to give health services and are willing to sacrifice in the name of public service.
Charles Basillote, Association of Barangay Captains president of Talisay City, when sought for comment, said that BHWs have risked their lives serving the barangay constituents and receiving only a meager allowance from the barangay. — (FREEMAN)