Philippine Barangay Health Workers Urge Health Department for Overdue Hazard Pay

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) across the Philippines are urgently appealing to the Department of Health (DOH) for the swift release and distribution of their Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). This call comes after a June 2024 survey by the UNI Global Union – Philippine Liaison Council (UNI-PLC) highlighted a concerning situation: BHWs in 13 regions, involving nearly 10,000 workers, are owed an average of 14 months in HEA, totaling an estimated 793 million pesos.

Myrna Gaite, President of the BHW NCR Federation, voiced the federation’s plea to the DOH. “Many health workers in public hospitals have long received their complete HEA. But for us BHWs, there are still many deficiencies. The distribution is always delayed in the communities, which are the first point of contact for residents when they fall ill. So we appeal to the DOH; you have the funds, please release what has long been due to us. This is not just about money; it’s about justice and recognition for our contributions.”

Rajendra Acharya, UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary, echoed these sentiments, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the long overdue payment of the HEA to the Barangay Health Workers. They deserve to be compensated for their crucial work. We urge the Department of Health to immediately develop and implement a disbursement plan in cooperation with the BHW NCR Federation.”

Recent developments have brought hope to the BHWs. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently transferred the remaining 27 billion pesos of HEA obligations to the DOH, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This move is seen as a critical step toward resolving the HEA disbursement delays.

The delay in HEA disbursement has significantly impacted BHWs, who rely on this allowance to supplement their modest incomes. Aries Dawa, President of the BHW Federation in San Juan City, shared the hardships faced by many of her colleagues. “The HEA is a big help for our families. Many of our colleagues hope to receive the HEA before the school year starts so we can buy uniforms and school supplies for our children.”

Mabel Napoles, President of the BHW Federation in Quezon City, emphasized the crucial role BHWs play in community health and the need for their priorities to be addressed. “BHWs are the foundation of our community’s health, yet they are always last when it comes to funding and government priorities. It is time for the government to give importance to community health workers. We are hoping for immediate action from the DOH.”

Ronald De La Cruz, President of UNI-PLC, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting BHWs. “The UNI Global Union stands firmly with the Barangay Health Workers in their call for the immediate release of their Health Emergency Allowance. We will continue to support their fight for fair compensation and recognition, ensuring that their invaluable contributions to community health are honored and rewarded.”