Davao City Councilor Advocates for Annual Financial Support for Barangay Health and Nutrition Volunteers
In a significant move to recognize the contributions of frontline community workers, Davao City Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang has proposed the implementation of a one-time annual financial assistance program for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs), and other volunteer personnel under the city government. This initiative follows a separate proposal by Councilor Diosdado Angelo Mahipus Jr., who earlier sought to grant service recognition and incentives to these volunteers, many of whom were excluded from last year's allocations.
Examining Fiscal Feasibility and Current Benefits
As the chair of the Committee on Finance, Ways, Means, and Appropriations, Dayanghirang emphasized that his team is currently evaluating how the city can extend additional benefits to these dedicated volunteers through an annual financial aid package. He noted that the committee plans to consult with the executive department and the local finance board to ensure the proposal aligns with the city's fiscal management strategies. "We have to look at the fiscal management of the city because they are many, around 1,500 across the entire city," Dayanghirang stated during a media interview on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
He clarified that BHWs and BNSs are not classified as contractual workers or job order employees, which means they do not qualify for gratuity pay under existing Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regulations. Instead, they receive an honorarium from the city. Despite this, the local government has been providing them with annual gift certificates worth P3,000 every December as a token of appreciation.
Current Compensation and Budget Allocations
Dayanghirang disclosed that city-paid BHWs and BNSs typically earn about P6,000 per month, along with PhilHealth insurance that includes a P500 counterpart contribution from the local government. District coordinators, on the other hand, receive approximately P6,400 monthly and a similar P500 PhilHealth counterpart. Most of these volunteers work three days a week, earning P500 per day for their services.
In the city's annual budget for this year, the allocation for BHWs and their coordinators stands at P83,156,400, while BNSs and their coordinators are allocated P42,986,400. Dayanghirang highlighted that Davao City boasts the largest budget for BHWs and BNSs in the region. However, he pointed out that this differs from barangay-paid volunteers, whose compensation depends on the individual barangay's financial resources.
Proposed Ordinance for Service Recognition
On January 27, 2026, Councilor Mahipus introduced a proposed ordinance aimed at granting service recognition and incentives to BHWs and BNSs who missed out on previous allocations. This measure seeks to allow barangay health workers, barangay nutrition scholars, and other volunteers receiving only honoraria to be eligible for gratuity pay and special recognition incentives. Mahipus emphasized that the ordinance is primarily about honoring their invaluable service, rather than merely offering financial rewards.
He assured that the proposal would comply with DBM rules, respect national policies, and avoid any misclassification of volunteers as employees. The goal is to provide local-level recognition where national coverage may be insufficient, ensuring these frontline workers feel valued for their efforts in community health and nutrition.
