City officials recently approved the grant of PhP5,000 as a monthly stipend or allowance for accredited barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in the city.
Under Resolution No. 544, series of 2024, city legislators stated that acknowledging the vital roles of BHWs and BNSs and addressing their needs is essential to strengthening their ability to serve effectively and improve the overall health and development of the community, hence, there is a need to enhance their stipends or allowances from PhP4,500 to PhP5,000.
The council claimed that among the outlined significant State principles and rights of the people under Article 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution are Section 15 that provided that the State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them; Section 16 that stated that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature; and Section 18 where the State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare.
It added that Section 15 emphasizes the State’s responsibility to safeguard and promote the health rights of its citizens and to foster health consciousness; Section focuses on the State’s duty to ensure a balanced and healthful ecology that aligns with the natural harmony of the environment while Section 18 recognizes labor as a fundamental socio-economic force, underscoring the State’s commitment to protect workers’ rights and promoting their welfare.
Section 6 of Republic Act (RA) 7883 or the Barangay A Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995 grants incentives and benefits to accredited barangay health workers in acknowledgement of their services. Those who actively and regularly perform their duties are entitled to various incentives, including hazard and subsistence allowances, among others.
On the other hand, Section 1 of Ordinance No. 013, series of 2021 approved an amount of PhP4.812 million effective January 2021 in the 2021 appropriations of the City Health Services Office for increasing the monthly allowance of barangay health workers and barangay nutrition scholars in the city. The allocated amount was designated for the phased increase of stipends for BHWs and BNSs until their stipends reach the amount of PhP5,000.
The council admitted that the current allowance and stipends of BHWs and BNSs are set at PhP4,500.
The body stipulated that as key partners in a reformed health care system, serving as advocates, educators, disseminators, coordinators, record keepers, and health care service providers, BHWs and BNSs work long hours and make significant personal sacrifices.
The council directed the CHSO to incorporate and implement a stipend or allowance in the amount of hP5,000 in their budget planning for next year.
Copies of the approved resolution will be transmitted to the City Budget Office, City Accounting Office and City Treasury Office for information, guidance, ready reference and further needed action. By Dexter A. See
