MANILA – The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released over P27 billion pesos ($490 million) to cover the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for healthcare workers, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman confirmed on Tuesday.
Speaking at a Senate Committee on Health and Demography hearing, Pangandaman detailed the swift disbursement of funds following a request from the committee two months prior.
“The DBM, under SARO No. BMB-B-24005240 dated July 5, 2024, as well as the corresponding cash requirement issued under NCA-BMB-B-24-009106, released the funds to cover the payment for public health emergency benefits allowance of eligible health care workers and non-health workers,” Pangandaman said.
The P27.453 billion peso allocation will cover 4,283 COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation claims and 5,039,926 validated but unpaid Health Emergency Allowance claims.
Ronald Ignacio, spokesperson for the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines (UPHPAP), expressed gratitude for the early release of funds, which was initially expected in 2025.
The move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate to settle all unpaid HEA arrears, underscoring the administration’s commitment to addressing healthcare sector issues under its “Bagong Pilipinas” (New Philippines) initiative.
The Department of Health will oversee the distribution of funds to eligible recipients.
This development comes as the Philippine healthcare system continues to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing challenges in supporting its workforce.
The timely release of the HEA funds is expected to provide much-needed financial support to healthcare workers who have been at the forefront of the country’s pandemic response.
