Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda is urging Barangay Health Workers (BHW) in Baguio to apply for civil service Eligibility in accordance with Republic Act 7833 or the Barangay Health Workers Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.
In her resolution approved by the city council and signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Tabanda said the law provides for incentives and benefits for all BHWs who are actively and regularly performing their duties in recognition of their services.
One of these benefits is civil service eligibility which may be granted to a BHW who has rendered five years continuous service. Should a BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total number of years served as such can be credited to his/her service in computing retirement benefits.
The law also mandates government agencies to give preference to BWHs in hiring health personnel, provided that the BWH is qualified for the position.
A BHW refers to a person who has undergone training programs under any accredited government and non-government organization and who voluntarily renders primary health care services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by a local health board in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Health. – Kimberly Badang
