Barangay health workers (BHWs) in Surigao del Norte will receive an increased monthly honorarium starting this month, a provincial government official said.

“The increase this year, from PHP1,000 to PHP1,500, will apply to the 5,235 BHWs in the province serving our constituents in the different municipalities,” Janis Medina Reginio of the provincial information office said in a phone interview Tuesday.

Last year, Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers raised the monthly honorarium for BHWs from PHP500 to PHP1,000. All BHWs received their honoraria for August to December during distribution activities conducted in late December, Reginio added.

The provincial government disbursed PHP26.1 million in honoraria to active BHWs last year.

According to data from the provincial information office, the 5,235 BHWs include 1,776 stationed in 54 barangays in Surigao City, 1,922 assigned to 11 municipalities on the mainland, and 1,537 serving in nine municipalities on Siargao Island.

“The increase in honorarium also shows our continuing support and recognition for health care workers of the province, bringing vital health services to our residents, especially those in remote areas,” Reginio said. (PNA)