BONTOC, Mountain Province – Six barangay health workers (BHWs) in the capital town who have been serving their respective villages for years received their retirement incentives ranging from P10, 000 to P15, 000 from the municipal government.
Eighty-four-year-old Margaret Masweng who had served as a health worker in Barangay Balili for 41 years and Aida Boyagao, 65 years old, who had been a BHW for 38 years in Balili, received P15,000 each.
Mercedes Obanan, 76 years old who had been a health worker in Bayyo for 28 years, 73-year-old Rita Pascual and 60-year-old Agusta Challoy, who are both from Barangay Talubin and served as BHWs for 28 years were handed over with P10,000 each.
Estefania Changiwan, 60 years old from Barangay Tocucan who served as a health worker for 24 years also received P10,000.
Mayor Jerome Tudlong, Jr., and Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, turned over the check and certificates of recognition to the retirees during the flag-raising ceremony on April 29 at the Municipal Capitol grounds.
Tudlong lauded the retirees for their invaluable and selfless services as health front liners in their respective barangays.
“Your dedication and commitment as BHWs do not go unnoticed. We recognize your contribution to the community in improving the health system of the municipality and making sure that health services are available at the doorsteps of the villagers. The span of years that you have been serving the community is inspiring. Thank you, for a job well done,” he said.
The grant of retirement incentive to BHWs in the town is covered by Ordinance 378, s. 2023 sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan member Benedict Odsey II, who chairs the committee on health.
The ordinance provides accredited retired BHWs who retire from the service at the age of 60 years and over are entitled to retirement benefits.
A BHW who served at least 30 years and over shall receive P15,000; 20 years but less than 30 years, P10,000; and at least 10 years but less than 20 years, P7,000. – Alpine L. Killa-Malwagay
