(THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY– In a bid to strengthen primary healthcare services at the grassroots level, the provincial government of Northern Samar has approved an increase in the annual incentives of its 2,849 accredited barangay health workers (BHWs).
Under Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 4, the province amended its earlier incentive measure to raise the annual allowance of accredited BHWs to P8,400, equivalent to P700 per month.
This is an increase from the previous P500 monthly incentive granted under Ordinance No. 6.The adjustment will take effect once the ordinance becomes effective and will not be applied retroactively.
Governor Harris Ongchuan said the measure underscores the provincial government’s commitment to enhancing community-based health services and improving access to basic healthcare, particularly in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Northern Samar’s 2,849 BHWs are deployed in barangays across the province, serving as the first point of contact for health concerns in their communities. They assist in disease prevention and surveillance, conduct health education campaigns, monitor patients, support immunization drives, and provide basic emergency care.
Provincial officials said the enhanced incentive is both a recognition of the BHWs’ dedication and a practical step toward improving primary healthcare delivery. By increasing support for frontline community health workers, the provincial government hopes to further motivate them and strengthen the overall healthcare system for Nortehanons.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
