Families of barangay tanods, health workers included in SAP: DILG

THE FAMILIES of all barangay tanods and health workers are now qualified to receive the government’s emergency cash subsidy or the Social Amelioration Program, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said Saturday.

He said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) headed by Secretary Rolando Bautista has approved the recommendation of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the inclusion of these barangay frontliners in the program.

“Marami pong salamat to DSWD Secretary Bautista for approving the recommendation of the DILG and for listening to the appeal of our village workers for them to be also given financial aid given to those affected by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic," he said.

Malaya said barangay tanods and health workers are not regular employees, but only receive allowances from the barangay at rates dependent on the financial capacity of the barangay. “Therefore, since they only receive allowances, they are sub-minimum wage earners which refers to any person who earns a wage below the prescribed minimum wage,” he said.

“Karamihan po sa ating mga tanod at health workers ay head of the family and they only receive more or less P1,000 as allowance from the barangay. Since they are below the poverty line, they should be included among those to be given SAP, subject to the proper screening of the DSWD,” he added.

Malaya also said as frontliners in the war against the deadly virus, the sacrifice of barangay workers must be recognized by the government. 

“The barangay health workers compose our BHERTS (Barangay Health Emergency Response Team) and they are our first responders. The barangay tanods implement the quarantine in the community. It is just right that they be given financial assistance since they are there in the frontlines together with our police, firemen, local governments, and medical professionals,” he said.

Malaya said those excluded from the barangay list of beneficiaries, but have low or no income and no independent financial capability, could file an appeal to the municipal or city social welfare and development officer. (Mindanao Examiner)

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