Gov’t workers of Kalinga PLGU undergoing chemo, dialysis, diabetes and rheumatic heart disease treatment to receive P15,000 if BM Kitongan’s proposal gets SP approval

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Provincial government workers in Kalinga who are undergoing expensive and long-term medical treatments may soon be entitled to P15,000 in medical assistance under an ordinance proposed by Board Member Emilio T. Kitongan.

Kitongan’s proposal seeks to amend the existing Provincial Ordinance No. 2018-019—“An ordinance granting medical assistance amounting to P15,000 to the employees and officials of the PLGU”—by expanding its coverage.

Under the proposed amendment, provincial government workers undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, or monthly treatment for diabetes or rheumatic heart disease will be included among those qualified to receive the P15,000 medical assistance.

According to the copy of the ordinance, each eligible employee may avail of the financial aid once per calendar year, regardless of the number of illnesses or treatments they are undergoing.

Speaking with Guru Press Cordillera, Kitongan said he is aware of the financial struggles faced by employees who must shoulder the rising cost of medicines and treatment. He explained that expanding the scope of the assistance is necessary to ensure the welfare, morale, and productivity of public servants who continue to work despite serious health conditions.

To avail of the assistance, Section 3 of the ordinance requires applicants to submit the necessary documents to the Provincial Health Office. These include a recent medical certificate issued by a licensed physician indicating the diagnosis and required treatment.

• For chemotherapy or dialysis: a treatment schedule or certification from the attending health facility.

• For diabetes and rheumatic heart disease: proof of monthly treatment or a prescription indicating continued medication

• Latest employment certification; and

• A valid government-issued ID.

Meanwhile, Section 4 states that funds needed to implement the ordinance shall be sourced from the General Fund or any available funds of the provincial government.

Entitled “An ordinance amending Provincial Ordinance No. 2018-019 by expanding the coverage to employees and officials undergoing chemotherapy, dialysis, medically proven monthly treatment for diabetes, and medically proven monthly treatment for rheumatic heart disease; and providing that availment shall be strictly once a year only,” the measure now moves to the final reading before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Kalinga.