Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 22) — The Department of Social Welfare said all barangay workers will still be subject to screening before they are deemed qualified to receive emergency cash aid from the government.
Speaking at a televised briefing Wednesday, DSWD Undersecretary Rene Paje said, “Nais ko pong linawin na hindi automatic na kabilang na lahat ng barangay workers. Sasailalim pa rin sila sa pagsusuri or assessment ng lokal na pamahalaan at sisiguraduhin po na ang kalagayan sa buhay ay pasok panuntunang umiiral para sa SAP benefits.”
[Translation: I want to make it clear that barangay workers are not automatically included. They will have to be assessed by the local government and it will have to be verified that they fall into the regulations set for someone to get SAP benefits.”
He added funds for the SAP benefits for barangay workers will come from the existing budget for the cash aid.
On Saturday the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced the DSWD released a memo saying barangay workers were qualified for social amelioration.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said, “The BHWs (barangay health workes) compose our BHERTS (Barangay Health Emergency Response Team), they are our first responders. The Tanods implement the quarantine in the community. It is just right that they be given financial assistance since they are there in the frontlines together with our police, firemen, LGUs, and medical professionals.”
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