Talisay OKs gratuity pay for barangay health workers

CEBU, Philippines - At least 31 barangay health workers in Talisay City, who have been rendering their services for at least 33 years, may soon receive their gratuity pay after the Talisay City Council approved a resolution asking Mayor Johnny De los Reyes to release the compensation.

Of the 31, only Celsa Menana from Barangay Lagtang has rendered 34 years in service as BHW. She started her job in 1981.

Menana is expected to receive P23,800.

In the approved resolution authored by City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, the city will appropriate P603,400 for the gratuity pay of the BHW retirees.

Under Section 13 of City Ordinance No. 2004-02, a BHW who reaches 65 years old shall be forced to retire.

As a form of gratuity for services they have rendered, they shall receive from the city government an amount equal to the current rate of the subsistence allowance multiplied by the number of years in service as BHW.

However, a BHW, though retired, may continue serving the barangay if he or she so desires but they shall no longer be entitled to the subsistence allowance from the city government. The amount shall be computed in accordance with the prevailing conditions and subject to the availability of funds.

"The dedication of the BHWs in serving the grassroots level and the service rendered as front-liners in delivering primary health care must be well compensated," Aznar said.

Early this year, the city also released the P500,000 for 68 health workers who have rendered services for over 30 years.

The amount to be given to the retirees will be taken from the fund for the Office of the Mayor’s under Other Maintenance and Operating Expenses – Special Activities. — (FREEMAN)