Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang, along with other officials from the Ministry of Health, led on Nov. 27 the cash allowance distribution to 1,049 MILF/MNLF members who became barangay health workers. The cash distribution was held at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Marhom Ibrahim/BIO)
SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao del Norte — Jasil Abdulnaser, a former medic volunteer who began her service under the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2007, has transitioned into an active member of her community as a Barangay Health Worker (BHW) in 2022.
Hailing from the Municipality of Barira in Maguindanao del Norte, the 28-year-old, married mother is a daughter of a former combatant.
Reflecting on her father’s struggles during his time as a combatant, Abdulnaser expressed her commitment to continuing his legacy.
“Ang tatay ko po kasi nahirapan din siya dahil isa rin siya sa mga nakipagbakbakan dati. Ang iniisip ko nalang din ay yung kung ano yung nasimulan niya ay ipagpatuloy ko at sana ganun din yung iba,” she shared.
[My father had a hard time because he was also one of those who used to fight. I am thinking to continue his legacy, and hopefully, the others will do the same.]
On Monday, Nov. 27, Abdulnaser, along with 1,048 other BHWs from Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, and Special Geographic Area (SGA), received their cash allowance for the period of January-December 2023. Each BHW was granted P24,000.00, courtesy of the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“Alhamdulillah kasi may makukuha kami. Masarap sa pakiramdam na ‘yung hindi mo iniisip pero may dumating,” Abdulnaser said.
[Thank God because we will receive something. It feels good that what you don’t expect comes your way.]
The cash allowance distribution was held at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. The ceremony was presided over by MOH Minister Dr. Rizaldy Piang, Deputy Minister Dr. Zul Qarneyn Abas, Officer-in-Charge Director General and Director II for Operations Dr. Tato M. Usman, and BHW Regional Coordinator Anisa Matuan.
This financial support is in compliance to Republic Act No. 7883, which grants benefits and incentives to accredited BHWs.
Dr. Piang urged the BHWs to continue their effort and dedication in rendering services to their communities.
“You’re not just a Barangay Health Worker but you’re a ‘Bai’ Health Worker within your own community. Acknowledge that you have a huge role and significant contributions to your communities, even in the midst of an armed struggle,” Piang said in vernacular.
In addition to the cash allowance, the MOH also conducted an orientation on capacity training for basic health services to the BHWs. (Myrna Tepadan/BIO)
