Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has filed a bill to enhance the incentives and benefits received by Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).
House Bill No. 3710 seeks to provide a monthly honorarium for BHWs amounting to no less than P3,000 and additional incentives and benefits, including hazard allowance; subsistence allowance; transportation allowance; one-time retirement cash incentive; training, education, and career enhancement programs; health benefits; insurance coverage under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS); sick, vacation, and maternity leaves; cash gift; disability benefit; free legal services; and preferential access to loans.
“BHWs play a major role in the provision of basic health services to our constituents in the grassroots level.”
“BHWs play a major role in the provision of basic health services to our constituents in the grassroots level. They are the first point of contact for those seeking health information and services from the government,” Lazatin said.
“As our front-liners in the delivery of public health services, it is important that we honor their hard work and sacrifice by providing the incentives and benefits that they deserve,” the legislator added.
During his time as Angeles City Mayor, the lawmaker increased the monthly honoraria of all BHWs in the City two times – a P1,000 peso increase in 2021 by virtue of Memorandum No. 1218 Series of 2021, and another a P1,000 peso increase in 2022 by virtue of Memorandum No. 801 Series of 2022.
In 2023, he signed Executive Order No. 82, Series of 2023, granting benefits and incentives to recognized and accredited BHWs in Angeles City.
Lazatin has always prioritized the efficient delivery of basic public health services at the grassroots level.
It can be recalled that on August 18, he also announced that he intends to request for P40 million to fund the rehabilitation of Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Mabalacat City and Magalang Municipality in 2026.
Under the project, four RHUs in Mabalacat City and two in Magalang Municipality will undergo repair and improvement, in accordance with the standards of the Department of Health (DOH).
“The target ratio is to have one RHU or Health Center for every 20,000 people.”
Based on the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020-2040, the target ratio is to have one RHU or Health Center for every 20,000 people.
While Angeles City Mayor, Lazatin led the rehabilitation and construction of health centers and sub-health centers in various barangays in the city.
By the time he stepped down as City Mayor, there are 15 health centers in Angeles City, a ratio of one health center for every 30,000 people.
