AUG 13, 2016

NR # 4291

Additional incentives for Barangay Health Workers urged

A House leader is pushing for a bill seeking to grant additional cash incentives and
allowances to accredited Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in the country.
Deputy Speaker Romero S. Quimbo (2nd District, Marikina City) filed House Bill
43, which amends Section 6 of Republic Act 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers
Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995 to update and give the Barangay health workers the
equitable benefits for their contribution on various healthcare programs.
As front liners, our Barangay Health Workers are entrusted with primary health
care delivery but the benefits and incentives they receive are not commensurate with the
heavy responsibilities they bear, said Quimbo.
The new bill shall grant the health workers who are actively and regularly
performing their duties fixed monthly honoraria of P4,000.
A cash gift of P2,000 shall also be given to the health workers every December.
BHWs who have served for ten years and above shall also be entitled a separation
pay of P2,000 for every year of service.
Furthermore, a disability benefit of P2,000 for every year of service shall also be
given to health workers who sustained injury or sickness arising out of and in the course
of performing their duties.
Quimbo also stated that HB 43 seeks to ensure that amounts provided in the
measure will be adjusted to present realities based on Consumer Price Indices (CPI).
Barangay Health Workers nevertheless are still entitled to their hazard and
subsistence allowances as stated in RA 7883.
Moreover, the incentives and benefits may be increased upon the review and
approval of the local health board. (30) nap