Politicians praise, vow aid to barangay health workers

CEBU, Philippines - Several politicians hailed the barangay health workers for bringing health services to the grassroots, though they are lowly-paid, during the Regional Barangay Health Workers Congress yesterday at the Grand Convention Center.

“Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng marami na malaki ang paghanga ko sa dedikasyon ninyong lahat na gampanan ang inyong responsibilidad bilang barangay health workers. Sana ay marami ang maging tulad ninyo na handang tumulong at maglingkod kahit pa ang katapat ay maraming sakripisyo upang makapagbigay ng angkop na pangangalaga sa ating mga kababayan,” said former Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar in a speech read by her staff Cookie Concio.

Villar added that it is important for people to have a livelihood project in their respective communities that help protect the environment, because in that way a local government unit can save finances for better social services, most especially on health services for its constituents.

The legislator mentioned water hyacinths or water lilies project in her area wherein this plant, which used to cause flooding in her area, is now being turned into slippers, basket, bags, furniture, tissue holders among others.

Aside from Las Piñas, the abundance of water lilies have generated income for people in Valenzuela City. Mayor Sherwin Gatchalian said this kind of livelihood project will not only eliminate the problem of water lilies affecting the drainage systems but will also generate alternative source of income that will rehabilitate the communities adversely affected.

Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay said she is now crafting a bill entitling all barangay workers and officials to benefits being enjoyed by other government employees.

Magsaysay also narrated the best practices she adopted in her place in helping the plight of BHWs and how she provided quality health services despite not having any Priority Development Assistance Fund from the government.

Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and his wife, TV host and Valenzuela City Councilor Shalani Soledad-Romulo also graced the affair saying both of them are willing to address the concerns of underpaid BHW’s.

Some BHWs are receiving at least P300 per month depending on the Internal Revenue Allotment of a barangay, and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (FREEMAN)