THE PROPOSED service recognition incentive or financial assistance for barangay health workers (BHWs), barangay nutrition scholars (BNS), and other qualified barangay volunteer workers is being fast-tracked for possible inclusion in the Supplemental Budget.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, committee chair on finance, ways, means and appropriations, said the members will meet with the Local Finance Committee for fiscal management soon.
“We are studying how we can provide more for the barangay health worker and the barangay nutrition scholars,” Dayanghirang said during the City Council deliberation on Tuesday, Feb 3.
Dayanghirang stressed that BHWs and BNS are not considered job order workers and contract service workers, and they only receive an honorarium provided by the city.
The councilor added they are taking into consideration a one-time grant of P5,000 to each BHW and BNS, but it has to be studied “carefully”.
This year, there are 1,047 city-paid BHWS and 18 district coordinators, and 532 city-paid BNS with 18 district coordinators.
A city-paid BHW or BNS receives P6,000 monthly with a local government counterpart of P500 for PhilHealth insurance, while a district coordinator receives P6,400 a month and P500 downloaded for PhilHealth.
For the Annual Budget 2026, Dayanghirang said the total allocation for BHWs and coordinators amounts to P83,156,400, while a total of P42,986,400 is allocated for BNS and coordinators.
In a week, BHWs and BNs render service for three days only at P500 per day.
On top of the monthly honorarium, every BHW and BNS is provided a gift certificate every December, included in the Pasko Fiesta appropriation.
Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus clarified that there was no clamor to increase the honorarium but a proposal to provide the BHWs and BNS with financial assistance or service recognition incentive.
“More than the amount of money that we can give to them, it is the recognition that is most important,” Mahipus said.
Mahipus floated the idea to request the Local Finance Committee to provide P5,000-P7,000 for each of the BHWs and BNS as their special recognition, if the ordinance is passed.
Dayanghirang said, “Mahipus’ actions are laudable and reflect compassion and recognition of service. However, we have to do a lot of discussion on this matter, considering the huge amount involved.”
Councilor Ralph Abella suggested providing the barangay-paid BHWs and BNS with group insurance, as they are most vulnerable to threats and disasters being frontliners.
Barangay-paid BHWs and BNS are dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment of the barangay.
“They are the most vulnerable nga madisgrasya but yet ilang allowance pirting gamaya especially in far-flung areas,” Abella said.
The City Health Board, chaired by the council committee chair on health, Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, will review the proposal, especially since any changes on policies involving health workers require their approval.
“We are providing what is due to barangay health workers and the barangay nutrition scholars,” Dayanghirang said.
