Capitol releases P4.5 million aid to brgy workers
The Cebu Provincial Government has distributed at least P4.5 million worth of cash incentives to the barangay workers in three southern towns last week.
A total of 2,507 individuals from the towns of Alcantara, Barili, and Dumanjug received the incentives.
Each Barangay Health Worker(BHW), Day Care Worker(DCW), and Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS) received P2,400 while the tanods and members of the lupons were given P1,500 each.
According to Provincial Budget Officer Danilo Rodas, the Capitol has allocated P60 million for the barangay incentive program. The amount was part of the 2017 budget. Moreover, it was also the first time that the lupons were included in the list of qualified recipients, which is why the budget has grown by almost P10 million compared to 2016.
The barangay workers of some LGUs were able to receive their incentives last year while some are yet to receive their share. It was supposed to be distributed lasy December as part of the “holiday incentive” to the barangay workers from the Capitol.
According to Cebu Governor Hilario Davide, there was a delay in the distribution due to some late submission of the list of names from the barangays.
He added that the provincial government offices also had their hands full in processing of payrolls and catering to the different concerns of the 51 local government units they need to serve.
Davide also expressed his gratitude to the barangay workers for their "unconditional service" in their respective areas.
“Dunay mga BHW na di na kauli sa ilaha, mouli lang kung mokaon. Hinaot nga magpabilin kining inyong maayong buhat,” said Davide.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale emphasized that the Capitol recognizes the crucial role that the barangay workers play. She added that one of the Capitol's goal is to capacitate the frontliners of the government like the BHWs.
To concretize this, cash aid, legal, health and nutrition trainings are provided to the barangay workers, as well as nutrition supplements.