Diamante seeks DILG help to shield BHWs, tanods from politics

CEBU, Philippines — Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante has urged Interior Secretary Juanito Victor “Jonvic” Remulla to address the recurring issue of newly elected barangay captains replacing trained barangay health workers (BHWs) and barangay tanods with their preferred personnel.

During a meeting between Remulla, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Cebu mayors on February 5, Diamante raised the concern, stating that this issue arises after every barangay election, particularly when a new village chief takes office.

“Doon sa mga barangays po namin, kukunti lang ang kalaban pero ang problema, pag nanalo yung kapitan sa kabila, tatanggalin agad yung BHWs at barangay tanods. So ‘yun ang problema natin, baka puwede naman filan natin ng kaso yung kapitan,” Diamante said.

The mayor expressed sympathy for barangay workers who undergo training but are removed from service due to political changes. He noted that this situation is likely occurring in other barangays as well.

“Ang sa akin lang, dapat hindi na ito maulit kasi kawawa naman ‘yung mga tanods and BHWs, kasi may training naman yun,” Diamante told Remulla.

In response, Remulla assured Diamante that he would work on a resolution to address the matter. He emphasized the critical role of BHWs and barangay tanods in providing government services to the community.

“BHW does not owe allegiance to the mayors and the barangay captains, they owe it to the people. Ang sweldo nila kakapiraso lang, tapos aapihin pa ng mayor or barangay (captain). Dapat hindi ganon, dapat they should work together all the time. They should not be politicized,” Remulla said.

Governor Garcia, for her part, explained that Cebu Province has established guidelines for recognizing barangay workers. She emphasized the importance of proper training before individuals assume such roles.

“The barangay tanods should have served a full year prior… yun yung qualifications natin. But meron kaming roster of the properly trained and recognized BHWs, pati na yung mga tanod,” Garcia said.

She also highlighted that the province provides cash incentives to barangay workers at the end of the year but does not recognize replacements who have not undergone proper training.

“You know that we give cash incentives at the end of the year, and we do not recognize ‘yung mga pinapalitan because as you said, Mayor, they are trained eh. It’s not that easy that you change the BHW; they handle 80 to 100 families,” Garcia said.

Garcia urged Diamante to report any barangay captains involved in such replacements so that appropriate action could be taken.  FPL (CEBU NEWS)