Quezon City hires 256 community health workers

MANILA, Philippines — The local government of Quezon City has hired 256 community health workers (CHWs) as contractual with minimum pay to further strengthen its workforce amid the pandemic.

Under the city’s contractual scheme, the health workers will receive a monthly payment of at least P13,000 per month, which follows the legal minimum pay prescribed by the Department of Labor and Employment. This is way higher than their previous monthly allowance of P3, 500 to P7, 000.

“It is only just that we give them what has been long overdue. Their dedication to the service is deserving of a decent wage that will uplift their quality of life,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Esperanza Arias,  head of the City Health Department, said the CHWs played a key role in community-building as some of them have been in the service for more than a decade.

“They act as our citizens’ arms, our eyes, and ears. Through their referrals and reporting, the CHD is able to download its programs to the intended residents,” Arias said.

Back in February, the local government chief signed a memorandum that will increase the pay for both contractual and job-order personnel starting March.

The memorandum stemmed from the plight of CHWs who are at the time receiving as low as P8, 000 per month despite working 40 hours or more a week. Jim Mendoza, trainee

KGA

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