Labangon seeks insurance for brgy workers, volunteers

CEBU, Philippines - The officials of Barangay Labangon, through a resolution, are asking the Cebu City Government to extend accident insurance to their tanods, garbage collectors and other barangay workers.

Barangay Captain Victor Buendia submitted a copy of their resolution to the Cebu City Council. However, the City Council’s committee on laws, ordinances, good government and public accountability wanted to study the request first.

The committee chaired by Councilor Edgardo Labella wanted to see if there is no legal impediment in providing insurance benefits not only to the workers of Labangon but for all the workers in the 80 barangays of the city as well.

“Considering that barangay resources are government funds, it cannot be used to pay hospitalization if and when accidents happened to the barangay workers,” reads a resolution from Barangay Labangon.

The proposal got the support from Association of Barangay Councils president Michael Ralota, who sits as ex-officio member of the City Council. Ralota said giving barangay workers insurance benefits is very important considering that they are always at the forefronts of public service.

Ralota cited the case of the tanods wherein some of them even died in the line of duty but their family did not receive any insurance benefits. He said the family of the tanods who got shot in the performance of duty even bore the hospital bills.

Labella’s committee is expected to render an opinion on the matter next week. (FREEMAN)