A Davao City councilor on Tuesday proposed an ordinance which will grant service recognition, financial assistance and special recognition to Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, and other qualified barangay volunteers in Davao City.
Davao City Councilor Diosdado Mahipus Jr. said the main purpose of the ordinance is to provide legal basis for an incentive scheme for volunteers who were not able to receive gratuity pay and incentives last December as they were ineligible to receive gratuity pay and special recognition incentive under a Department of Budget and Management circular.
“So atoang nahuna-hunaan na basin mauyunan sa konseho mastudyuhan, sa umaabot matagaan sila og ilaha pud nga paaboton in recognition of their service sa atoa pud tagsa tagsa nga mga barangay kay sila baya ma ulanan initan sa mga komunidad unya wala sila apil so atoang paningkamutan na maapil (Our initial thought is that perhaps the council will study it, and in the future, they will also be given something in recognition of their service in each of our barangays. After all, they experience rain and sun in the communities but are not included, so we will make an effort to ensure they are included),” he said in an interview.
In his privilege speech, Mahipus said that the proposed ordinance will be anchored on the fiscal authority and police power given to local government units (LGUs) under Republic Act 7160 to promote general welfare.
“The Code expressly authorizes LGUs to appropriate local funds, enact ordinances, and implement programs for the promotion of health, social justice, and the welfare of the local constituents, including those who render essential public service at the community level,” he said, underscoring that these LGU powers are clearly distinguished from DBM-authorized gratuity pay and service recognition incentives.
“This ordinance will not contradict DBM Policy. It will not circumvent national rules. It will not misclassify volunteers and employees. Instead, it will affirm local autonomy, recognize genuine service, and ensure that exclusions imposed by national coverage limits do not translate into neglect in local level,” Mahipus said.
As to the actual amount of the incentive, he said that such will be determined depending on the course of the hearings to be conducted in relation to the proposed ordinance. CIO
Written by: K.Cañedo
Edited by: A.Nawal
Photo: E.Moratae. CIO
