Bong Go promotes welfare of health frontliners with proposed Magna Carta

Sen. Bong Go FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 2838, also known as the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), in a speech delivered at the Senate plenary on Wednesday, September 25.

The bill which he is also one of the authors seeks to provide just compensation and benefits to BHWs, recognizing their essential role in the delivery of primary healthcare services at the barangay level.

Go opened his speech by commending Senator JV Ejercito, chairperson of the Subcommittee on Barangay Health Workers and the Committee on Local Government, for leading the discussions and ensuring that the bill addresses the critical needs of BHWs. According to Go, BHWs are the backbone of healthcare in many communities, especially those with limited access to doctors.

“Barangay Health Workers serve as the frontliners in the barangay in providing basic health services,” Go stated. “Sila po ang nag-aasikaso. Sila po ang tumutulong sa paggagamot ng ating mga kababayan, lalung-lalo na sa mga komunidad na walang doktor.”

Despite their vital role, Go emphasized that BHWs are still classified as volunteers, receiving only meager incentives and benefits that do not reflect the level of service and commitment they provide.

“As such, they are only entitled to meager incentives and benefits. Moreover, they are not given ample compensation that befits the level of commitment necessitated by the role that BHWs play,” he said.

He shared that during his nationwide visits, he often heard the call of BHWs for proper compensation from the government, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic where they were entitled to health emergency allowance in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, some qualified BHWs have yet to receive their HEA.

“Sa kakaikot ko po sa buong bansa, maraming BHWs ang nag-aapela ng kompensasyon mula sa gobyerno. Ang lagi nga nilang sigaw, ‘HEA! HEA! HEA!’ para maibigay na ang kompensasyon nila para sa kanilang serbisyo noong panahon ng pandemya,” Go recalled.

He noted that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had already released PhP27 billion for the payment of their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA), which the senator pledged to continue monitoring through the health committee.

“Mr. President, it is only imperative for us to listen to their needs at kung paano po tayo makakagawa ng paraan upang mabigyan sila ng karampatang kompensasyon. It is for this reason, Mr. President, that we filed a measure that would provide just compensation to our BHWs,” he said.

In recognition of the spirit of volunteerism and concern for the upliftment of the health status of communities, this measure promotes the welfare and well-being of BHWs and provides them with incentives and benefits through the collaborative efforts of LGUs and the national government,” Go added.

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In his speech, Go outlined the key provisions of SBN 2838, which seeks to provide BHWs with a monthly honorarium of not less than P3,000, transportation, and subsistence allowances, and hazard pay for those exposed to risks in their work environments. The bill also includes a one-time incentive of not less than P10,000 for BHWs who have served for at least 15 years, as well as free legal services and insurance coverage from the Government Service Insurance System.

Moreover, the bill designates April 7 as Barangay Health Workers Day, in recognition of their invaluable contributions, particularly during times of crisis.

“This will be a landmark legislation that would recognize Barangay Health Workers as unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that essential health services are delivered in the community,” Go said, urging his fellow senators to support the immediate passage of the bill.

In closing, Go highlighted the importance of listening to the needs of BHWs and ensuring that they are properly compensated for their service. “It is only imperative for us to listen to their needs at kung paano po tayo makakagawa ng paraan upang mabigyan sila ng karampatang kompensasyon.”

Go has been at the forefront of promoting the rights and welfare of barangay officials and workers. He also filed SBN 197, which aims to establish a Magna Carta for Barangays. This proposed legislation seeks to recognize barangay officials as regular government employees, granting them the same benefits and protections, including salaries, allowances, and other emoluments if enacted into law.

Go also recently filed SBN 2802, proposing to provide a fixed 6 year term of office for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, aiming for a more stable and sustained leadership at the grassroots level.