Bong Go honors sacrifices of health workers on Health Workers' Day; reminds DBM and DOH of unreleased HEA due to them

On Health Workers' Day, celebrated on Tuesday, May 7, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, honored the dedication and sacrifices of Filipino health workers, whom he described as "modern-day heroes."

This special day acknowledges their critical role in ensuring public health and safety.

In a heartfelt tribute, Go reiterated his commitment to advancing policies and programs that support medical frontlines.

"Sa araw ng pagkilala sa ating mga health workers, nais kong ipaabot ang aking taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyong walang-sawang paglilingkod. Kayo ang tunay na mga bayani sa panahon ng pandemya at maging sa pang araw-araw na hamon ng ating kalusugan," said Go.

He emphasized the importance of supporting these vital community members, especially recalling their pivotal role during the pandemic.

"Patuloy ang aking adbokasiya na palakasin ang suporta sa ating mga medical frontliners. Karapat-dapat lamang na bigyan sila ng sapat na mga benepisyo at proteksyon. Hindi matutumbasan ng anumang halaga ang kanilang mga sakripisyo," Go added.

Responding to the earnest pleas of health workers, Go has been urging the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to act swiftly on releasing the long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) of health workers.

Go was also instrumental in the passage of some previously passed laws that benefited health workers, including Republic Act No. 11466 or the Salary Standardization 5, which provided salary increases for government workers, and RA 11712, which grants continuing benefits and allowances to public and private healthcare workers during public health emergencies like COVID-19.

He also filed Senate Bill No. 2504, seeks to build upon the provisions of the SSL 5 and aimed at further increasing the salaries of civilian personnel in the government.

This is in response to current economic conditions and in recognition of the crucial role government civilian employees play in ensuring unhampered public service delivery.

Go reassured the health workers of his commitment to champion their cause. He emphasized their crucial role during the pandemic and insisted on the injustice of their unpaid allowances.

"Pinagpawisan nila, hindi pa nababayaran until now... since 2021. Services rendered na po ito. Pinaghirapan ito ng mga health workers natin. Wala na po silang ibang matakbuhan. Nananawagan sila, kahit saan po kami pumunta... sinisigaw, 'Health Emergency Allowance'," Go stated.

Meanwhile, Go's message concluded, urging continued recognition and support for health workers beyond ceremonial gestures.

"Hindi lamang tuwing Health Workers' Day dapat natin silang pahalagahan. Araw-araw, dapat kilalanin natin ang kanilang kontribusyon sa ating lipunan," he declared.