Kalinga BHWs seek ₱5K annual incentive; Gov. Edduba vows to explore funding options

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in Kalinga are seeking an increase in the annual incentive provided by the Provincial Government from ₱3,000 to ₱5,000, with Governor James S. Edduba saying he will explore ways to respond positively to their request.

The request was raised during the Provincial Health Board (PHB) meeting chaired by Edduba at the Davidson Hotel in Bulanao, Tabuk City, on September 4, 2026.

The proposed increase refers to the provincial government’s annual augmentation, not the regular monthly honorarium of BHWs, which is primarily provided by their respective city or municipal governments.

Edduba clarified during the discussions that he could not make any promise regarding the requested increase but said he would work on the matter and consult with the Local Finance Committee to determine possible funding sources.

The province currently has more than 1,000 accredited BHWs serving communities across Kalinga.

Province only augments BHW honorarium

Unlike a uniform province-wide honorarium, BHW compensation in Kalinga may vary depending on the local government unit providing the regular allowance and the worker’s status.

In Tabuk City, for example, accredited BHWs receive ₱3,000 per month, released at ₱9,000 quarterly, while registered BHWs receive ₱2,000 per month, or ₱6,000 quarterly.

The Provincial Government of Kalinga, meanwhile, provides a separate annual cash incentive as an augmentation to the support received by BHWs from their respective LGUs.

Under the existing provincial support, active BHWs have received annual incentives, with higher amounts previously provided to those who have rendered longer years of service.

The BHWs are now seeking to raise the ₱3,000 annual provincial incentive to ₱5,000, citing their continuing role in delivering health services at the grassroots level.

Frontliners in the barangays

BHWs serve as an important link between residents and the formal healthcare system.

They assist in health promotion and education, support maternal and child health programs, monitor community health conditions, help in disease prevention and surveillance, and assist residents in accessing appropriate health services.

Because they live and work in the communities they serve, BHWs are often among the first to identify health concerns and encourage residents to seek medical attention.

Their work also supports the implementation of provincial and national health programs at the barangay level.

Edduba: No promise, but will work on request

During the PHB meeting, Edduba acknowledged the request and said the province would have to determine how it could provide additional support without compromising its financial capacity.

While he stopped short of promising the increase, the governor said he would consult with the Local Finance Committee and explore possible means of addressing the BHWs’ request.

The matter will require further discussion and consideration of the province’s available resources before any increase in the annual augmentation can be implemented.

Other health matters tackled

Aside from the BHW incentive request, the PHB also discussed several programs and measures concerning the health and wellness of iKalingas.

Among the matters tackled was the integration of the Kalinga Provincial Hospital as an authorized blood bank and service network facility, as well as existing gaps in the requirements for Level II Hospital Accreditation.

The board also discussed a proposed measure prohibiting minors and individuals below 18 years old from accessing alcoholic beverages, with corresponding penalties for those who sell or dispense intoxicating drinks to minors.

The meeting served as a venue for the PHB to address current health concerns and discuss measures aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery across Kalinga.

For the province’s more than 1,000 accredited BHWs, the proposed increase in the annual provincial incentive would provide additional recognition and support for their continuing work on the front lines of community healthcare.