The City Council of Davao is studying possible additional incentives for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), recognizing their contributions to local and national health programs, according to Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance.
Dayanghirang said the city government currently provides around 1,500 city-hired BHWs and BNS with a monthly honorarium of P6,000.
Dayanghirang explained that under existing arrangements, they are required to work three days a week, equivalent to P500 per day or P1,500 weekly, which totals P6,000 a month.
“These individuals are the ones assisting in health programs, whether national or local. Now they are asking for possible additional support, and we are studying ways on how the city can provide more,” Dayanghirang said.
Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. earlier raised the proposal for an annual compensation or one-time financial assistance for BHWs and BNS, noting that they are generally not considered regular employees or job order workers and therefore do not receive benefits such as gratuity from the Office of the President or the Department of Budget and Management.
Dayanghirang said the city government has been extending support to them.
He said BHWs and BNS were given P3,000 worth of gift certificates every December as a gesture of appreciation from the city government.
“We are now studying what other ways we can provide them with one-time financial assistance every year,” Dayanghirang said.
He added that the executive department must be consulted as the proposal involves a significant amount.
Dayanghirang also cited the need to balance additional benefits with sound fiscal management, noting that there are around 1,500 BHWs and BNS across the city.
He said Davao City is already among the local government units providing the highest monthly honorarium at P6,000, especially since BHWs and BNS are required to report for duty only three days a week.
While no specific amount has been set, Dayanghirang said discussions are ongoing on a proposed ordinance that would grant a one-time annual support.
“The philosophy of Duterte governance is that if there is money, there is no question. But we have to study this carefully because the city is also providing assistance to many other sectors,” Dayanghirang said.
