Village health workers
THERE’s now enough reason to believe that the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers will be approved by the 24-member Senate without without any problem.
This after no less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. expressed elation over the passage of the proposed legislation in the House of Representatives.
It will be recalled that last December 12, the Lower Chamber of Congress approved on third and final reading House Bill (HB) No. 6557 or the Magna Carta for BHWs.
The proposed measure seeks to provide allowances and other benefits as incentives to barangay health workers for their loyal service to the community.
As a former governor of Ilocos Norte, Marcos knows full well the important role played by BHWs and other volunteer workers, especially during calamities or disasters.
At the height of the crippling COVID-19 pandemic, BHWs conducted house-to-house visits, deciding who among the residents had to be sent to hospitals and isolation facilities.
“I do not know how the government will function without the BHWs, without the lupon (members), without the daycare center workers (and) lahat ng volunteer workers,” said Marcos.
We share the view of the Chief Executive that volunteer workers “help bring government services to the people.”
Certainly, the passage of the proposed act would be the beginning of what the national government can do to recognize the village health workers for their hard work.
Of course, our lawmakers have to act now – and fast – if we are to show our concern for the welfare of our overworked and underpaid barangay volunteer workers.
