Bula okays ordinance on BHW’s protection

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

An ordinance that will provide incentives and protection from undue termination of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) was unanimously approved by members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) in Bula, Camarines Sur recently.

Bula municipal Councilor Glenn A. Genio, the ordinance main proponent, said the measure adheres to the mantra that to truly empower constituents, there is a need to recognize sectors of the community, which are directly working for the sustainable development of the municipality, particularly the frontliners.

“Amidst the pandemic which disrupted not only our economic but also our social lives we have a sector in the community who fearlessly face the threat of being infected with the Covid-19 virus, putting their safety and their family aside just to serve the needy. It is but fitting not only to give them recognition but the LGU shall grant them share in the budget as a form of incentives and protect them from undue or whimsical termination,” Genio said.

Ordinance No. 2021-03-060, dubbed “Barangay Health Workers Ordinance of Bula, Camarines Sur,” also aims to recognize the BHWs as vital partners of the government in ensuring the safety of the community, especially now that their roles have been magnified as Covid-19 cases continue to spike.

“The BHWs are facing great risk and hazards as they perform their tasks, as a proponent, I also wish that others would see their selfless dedication that’s why I also included in this ordinance that they be should be given protection against undue termination and augment their minimal honoraria,” Genio added.

In the ordinance that Genio authored, he included the grounds for termination of a BHW. It ranges from having serious misconduct or willful disobedience of the lawful orders of the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and / or Barangay Council or their authorized representative in connection with his/her work; gross and habitual neglect of duty and commission of crime involving moral turpitude or any offense punishable by at least prison correctional.

Also stipulated in Section 5 of the said ordinance, is the mandatory age for retirement and when a BHW is no longer fit to render the primary health care services due to health reasons and related conditions.

Also provided under Section 6 that in addition to the monthly honoraria being given by their respective barangays, a monthly monetary incentive shall be granted to BHWs classified as: Accredited Barangay Health Worker – 1,000; recognized Barangay Health Worker – 1,000 and an additional P500 every December of each year. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)