Kalinga SP backs ₱5,000 incentive for BHWs, ₱4,000 for nutrition scholars in recognition of vital service

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Active barangay health frontliners in Kalinga may soon receive higher annual incentives after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) took another step toward approving the proposed increase during its regular session on Tuesday, August 4.

The proposal covers active Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) across the province. It advanced after the provincial board adopted the recommendation of the Committee on Rules and Ethics to first evaluate the availability of funds before the proposed incentive adjustments are implemented.

Under Provincial Health Board (PHB) Resolution No. 09, Series of 2026, the annual incentive for active Barangay Health Workers is proposed to increase from ₱3,500 to ₱5,000 for Calendar Year 2026.

Meanwhile, PHB Resolution No. 10, Series of 2026 seeks to raise the annual incentive for active Barangay Nutrition Scholars from ₱3,500 to ₱4,000.

After reviewing the proposals, the SP Committee on Rules and Ethics, chaired by Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal, said the proposed increases are intended to recognize the indispensable role of BHWs and BNSs in delivering essential health and nutrition services at the grassroots level.

The committee noted that these community health frontliners serve as the first point of contact for many residents, particularly in remote barangays, by assisting in health promotion, disease prevention, nutrition programs, and other primary healthcare services.

However, the committee also recognized that the proposed increase would have financial implications, making it necessary for the Local Finance Committee (LFC) to determine whether sufficient funds are available to support the additional incentives.

As such, the committee recommended that both Provincial Health Board resolutions be favorably endorsed to the LFC for evaluation and recommendation.

Once funding availability is confirmed, the proposals will be forwarded to the Office of the Provincial Governor for approval and implementation, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, auditing, and other applicable laws and regulations.

"The Committee likewise noted that the proposed incentive adjustments entail financial implications which require evaluation by the Local Finance Committee (LFC) and the approval of the Local Chief Executive prior to their implementation," the committee report stated.