News Update Congress Asked to Hike BHW's Pay

CEBU CITY (PNA) - The Cebu City Council has passed a resolution asking Congress to pass the bill granting an increase in the salary of barangay health workers (BHW) as well as compulsory health insurance coverage. The council expressed its "strong" support for the passage of Senate Bills 1384 and 1340, both drafted by Sen. Loren Legarda. Senate Bill 1384 seeks to increase the BHW's salary and benefits by placing them under salary grade 10, which corresponds to P14,000 a month and a mandatory Christmas bonus. Senate Bill 1340, on the other hand, seeks to provide compulsory coverage for BHWs under the National Health Insurance Program. This will entitle the workers to personal health services, including emergency and transfer services, hospital care and other supplementary health benefits. In his resolution, Councilor Edgardo Labella said there is a need to increase the BHWs' salary as they currently receive only P1,000.