Health benefits for more QC tanods

The Quezon City government will shoulder the PhilHealth contributions of 300 more barangay tanods.

This third batch brought to 1,500 the number of Barangay Security Development Officers (BSDOs) from 142 barangays citywide now covered by the government’s medical insurance.

In his speech before the new PhilHealth members, Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said giving medical benefits to the BSDOs was one way of recognizing their contributions.

"This is also a way for them to get more benefits despite their small compensation," he said. "This is to upgrade the quality of life of the BSDO, who is essential to the peace and order in Quezon City. Little by little, we want to fully compensate them and give them proper training."

Belmonte said BSDOs are great partners of the police and the city in keeping the peace and order in the city.

"Quezon City comprises one-fourth of Metro Manila yet we severely lack policemen to protect us. So, the BSDOs are really an essential part of peace and order in the city," he said

The mayor stressed that despite the 400 additional permanent police assigned in the city," we still need more."

The city government will be shelling out P594 for each of the BSDOs enrolled with PhilHealth.

Aside from the BSDOs, the 1,200 contractuals hired in the city are likewise covered by PhilHealth courtesy of the city government. – Pamela Samia