Alliance of Health Workers says sector needs solution more than concert

The Presidential Communications Office announced last June 20 that a “Konsyerto sa Palasyo Para sa Ating Mga Healthcare Workers” will be held on June 30 at Malacañang Palace. (Photo courtesy of the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA, Philippines — In response to the government’s upcoming concert dedicated to health workers, the Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) emphasized on Saturday that their sector requires solutions to pressing issues rather than just recognition and entertainment.

The group was referring to the “Konsyerto sa Palasyo Para sa Ating Mga Healthcare Workers” organized by the Presidential Communications Office, set to be held on June 30 at Malacañang Palace.

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In a statement, AHW Secretary General Cristy Donguines thanked President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos for the praise and recognition given to health workers.

However, she also stressed that what the administration needs to demonstrate is “sincerity” in solving problems faced by their sector.

“What we truly need right now is not just a concert that will only provide temporary entertainment. Health workers need immediate salary hike, job security, mass hiring of regular health workers to augment the severe understaffing in both public and private hospitals and release the unpaid benefits like Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) and Health Emergency Allowances (HEA) for private and LGU health workers,” Donguines said.

She added that it is “crucial” for health workers to have their issues and concerns addressed, particularly amid the challenges brought by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and other health emergencies.

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Working on their concerns would help reduce the number of health workers choosing to leave the country to seek better opportunities abroad, she added.

“Organizing such concerts is a manifestation that Marcos Jr. administration is not taking seriously the people’s health and health workers’ welfare,” Donguines said.

Moreover, Donguines expressed their group’s “resentment” for the government’s “negligence and incompetence” during the pandemic.

“We do not want to be portrayed as heroes who have been abandoned and forgotten after the battle.  We urge PBBM to listen to our grievances. Concerts and entertainment alone are not enough; concrete actions and solutions are needed to address our concerns