The City Council of Davao is studying a proposal to grant one-time financial assistance to Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in recognition of their role in implementing local and national health programs.
Councilor Danny Dayanghirang, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, said the city currently provides about 1,500 city-hired BHWs and BNS with a monthly honorarium of P6,000.
Under existing arrangements, Dayanghirang said BHWs and BNS are required to work three days a week, equivalent to P500 per day, or P1,500 weekly.
“These individuals assist in both national and local health programs. They have requested possible additional support, and we are studying how the city can provide this,” Dayanghirang said.
The proposal was earlier raised by Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr., who noted that BHWs and BNS are not classified as regular or job order employees 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 has continued to extend support to BHWs and BNS, including the distribution of P3,000 worth of gift certificates every December.
“We are now studying other ways to provide them with one-time financial assistance on a yearly basis,” he said, adding that the executive department must be consulted as the proposal involves a significant allocation.
He also stressed the need to balance additional benefits with fiscal responsibility, noting that Davao City already offers one of the highest monthly honorariums for BHWs and BNS among local government units.
Discussions are ongoing on a proposed ordinance, although no specific amount has yet been set.
