SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — A total of 430 health workers here recently received Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), HEA is a special risk allowance given to all health workers in recognition of their service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Each Barangay Health Worker and Nutrition Scholar received ₱56,500 in cheque, equivalent to ₱5,650 per month of service from March to December of 2022.
Catherine V. Ramirez of the Municipal Health Office (MHO) underscored the contribution of healthcare workers during the pandemic as implementers of health programs of the government at the grassroots level.
“Kasi noong time ng pandemic, talagang sagaran sila (health care workers) araw-araw…although alam nilang delikado, pwede silang mahawa [sa mga positibo sa virus, at] pagod, hindi sila nagdalawang-isip na tumulong pa rin sa amin,” Ramirez said.
(During the time of the pandemic, healthcare workers labored intensely every day. Even though they knew it was dangerous, they could catch the virus from COVID-19-positive patients, and the work is tiring, they did not hesitate to help.)
She added that the barangay health care workers’ job includes groundwork such as providing support to the MHO in visiting close contacts of COVID-19 positive patients and serving as first responders in their community in giving check-ups and doing regular monitoring of patients.
Meanwhile, Wilma G. Abejo, a BNS in the barangay island of Pawican, shared that the pandemic time is the most demanding period in her 14 years of service as a healthcare worker.
“Mahirap din kasi kapag may mga kabarangay kami na galing ng Maynila, matik yon, ina-isolate namin sila. Matrabaho noong panahon ng pandemic…Nagkasakit din ako noon,” Abejo explained. She said that the HEA is a huge help for her, particularly for her family’s needs and her children’s education expenses.
The payout was spearheaded by the Municipal Treasury Office (MTO). Representative Leody F. Tarriela and other local government unit officials were also present during the payout held at the San Jose Municipal Plaza. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro)
