By Sam Ramos
Health workers from both government and private facilities across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) began receiving their long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) on Monday. The much-awaited disbursement comes at a timely moment, as the holiday season approaches.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., the BARMM health minister, described the allowance release as timely, especially as the region approaches the holidays. He made the statement after a dialogue with around 4,000 health workers who are the recipients of the allowance.
The past week saw a surge in efforts by the Ministry of Health (MOH) personnel to accelerate the distribution process of the funds.
Sinolinding explained that the allowance covers not only essential healthcare workers but also non-health volunteers who provided services during the Covid-19 pandemic, regardless of their employment status.
Eligible health workers will receive monthly allowances ranging from PHP 3,000 to PHP 9,000. The amount varies depending on the risk level of the areas where the workers were assigned—categorized as low, moderate, or high risk.
Sinolinding expressed his appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, and the Department of Health (DOH) Central Office for their support in facilitating the release of the funds to BARMM health workers.
The release of the HEA is part of the government’s ongoing effort to acknowledge the vital role played by healthcare professionals who risked their lives in the fight against Covid-19.