As assured by Acting Governor BHWs to Magpale: Release cash gifts

MANILA, Philippines - The cash gift was usually released to these BHWs before Christmas during the time of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

Prior to her suspension, Garcia increased the amount from P1,500 each to P2,400.

When she assumed office, Magpale assured that she will release the amount as promised by Garcia to the BHWs, tanods and barangay nutrition scholars.

Magpale’s office is now preparing the distribution per town between the end of the month until early next month.

January 28 is the schedule for Bogo City, Tabuelan and San Remegio and the next day will be Medellin and Daanbantayan.

The schedule for Tabogon, Borbon, Sogod, Catmon and Carmen will be on January 31.

February 1 for Danao City, Compostela, Liloan while February 5 for Tuburan, Asturias, Balamban; and Toledo City and Pinamungajan on February 6.

“The office has to make schedule adjustments because of budget constraints, hopefully tuloy-tuloy na ni,” said Magpale’s son, Provincial Board Member Miguel Antonio Magpale, to The Freeman. 

The federation of BHWs in the Province of Cebu composed of the presidents of the different associations in each city and municipality had their first monthly meeting for 2013 at the Capitol yesterday.

They visited Garcia and told her that Magpale has yet to release the cash gift.

There are 8,500 BHWs in the entire Province of Cebu said, Lenny Bagol of Carcar City, the federation president.

They said that the money was already set aside by some the BHWs to pay their debts while others were not able to buy food for Christmas.

Last November 27, Garcia released P10,000 each of the 200 BHWs who retired from service due to old age.

Bagol said these BHWs are already above 80 years old but still insist on working despite receiving no salary. 

The BHWs are working voluntarily, receiving an honorarium of at least P100 per month depending on how much the barangay can afford to give.

Few years ago, Garcia decided to provide BHW kits and allowances to them at the end of the year in addition to what they are receiving from their barangay. /MBG(FREEMAN)