Go, JV push for passage  of Magna Carta for BHW

CEBU, Philippines —  At least two senators vowed to push for the passage of Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers which is another priority measure of the Marcos administration.

House Bill (HB) No. 6557 was approved by the House of Representatives last year.

Senators Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, who were both guest speakers during the BHWs Congress 2023, said that they will exert all their efforts for the passage of the proposed measure.

In his speech, Ejercito said he will be supporting this measure as he sees its significance for these dedicated barangay volunteer workers.

Once enacted into law, accredited BHWs shall be entitled to incentives and benefits that include hazard allowance, transportation allowance, subsistence allowance, one-time

retirement cash incentive, health benefits, insurance coverage and benefits, vacation and maternity leaves and cash gifts.

The measure defines a barangay health worker as a person who has undergone training under any accredited government or non-government organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function as

such by the local health board.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn, speaking before the more than 9,000 BHWs attending the said event, also delivered good news by increasing their Christmas incentive by P1,000 each from the current P5,000 as well as Christmas gift packs.

The giving of an additional incentive, the governor said, is an appreciation for all the BHWs voluntary service rendered to their respective barangays.

The governor added BHWs, whom she considered as her “secret army” has a soft spot in her heart as the latter can be relied on in implementing the Cebu provincial government’s health-related orders even down to the barangay level.

The event has a theme, “Barangay Health Workers, A Partner of the Community, a Guide for Humanity, Towards Health and Prosperous Society”.

Barangay Health Wellness Partylist Representative Angelica Natasha Co also attended the BHW Congress, which also commemorates the 15th year anniversary of the establishment of the BHW in Cebu Province.

The Cebu provincial government also awarded city and municipal mayors dubbed as BHW Idols, for their outstanding support of their respective BHWs.

They are Gilberto F. Magallon of Alegria, Alan Sesaldo of Argao, Dana Andrew M. Dumdum of Asturias, Carmen L. Lumain of Badian, Ace Stefan V. Binghay of Balamban, Arthur E. Despi of Bantayan, Pablo John Garcia IV of Barili, Carlo Jose A. Martinez of Bogo City, Mario Patricio P. Barcenas of Carcar City, Carlo T. Villamor of Carmen, Cesar E. Suan of Cordova, Aljew Fernando Frasco of Liloan, Romeo A. Villaceran of Madridejos, Erlinda Q. Piedad of Malabuyoc, Rajiv V. Enad of Minglanilla, Valdemar Chiong of City of Naga, Manuel P. Santiago of Pilar, Mariano Terence Y. Blanco of Ronda, Mytha Ann B. Canoy of San Fernando, Alfonso Pestolante of San Remigio, Lissa Marie D. Streegan of Sogod, Francis Edward T. Salimbangon of Tabogon, Marjorie P. Perales of Toledo City and Democrito M. Diamante of Tuburan.(CEBU NEWS)