Davide Promises Increase

“Atong e-increase sunod…”

These are the words of Cebu Governor Hilario P. Davide III in releasing cash incentives to barangay volunteer workers of Danao City and Carmen town last January 7.

During the distributions, a total of 225 barangay health workers (BHW), 85 day care center workers (DCCW), and 97 barangay nutrition scholars received P2,400 each; while 954 barangay tanods and 33 barangay animal health aides got P1, 500.

“Maayo unta madayon gyud ang pag-increase sa cash incentives, pero mapasalamaton gihapon mi sa atong gobyerno sa among nadawat (We hope that the plans to increase the cash incentives will push through, but we’re still thankful to the government for the amount we received),” said Bridgette Ybañez, 26 and a BHW in Brgy. Suba, Danao for five years.

According to Leonisa Casas, a DCCW of 24 years, that during her early years of service she only received P1,500 as cash allowance.

“Kahinumdom pa ko nga grabe akong kalipay niadtong nahimong P2,400 na among madawat kada tuig imbes nga P1,500 ra unta. Karon nga padak-an pa gyud sa atong gobernador, mapasalamaton kaayo ko kaniya (I still remember how happy I was when they gave us P2,400 instead of P1,500 every year. Now that the governor plans to increase it, I am very grateful to him),” expressed the 54-year-old resident of Brgy. Ypil, Carmen.

Furthermore, Provincial Board Member Jude Sybico disclosed in his welcome speech that he hopes the barangay workers will eventually receive a monthly salary rather than just a yearly honorarium from the government.

To which Carmen Barangay Tanod Dario Saling reacted, “Bahala’g wala’y sweldo basta nakatabang lang ko sa akong lugar. Pero kungnaa man gani, malipayongihaponnamongdawaton (I don’t care much about the salary as long as I can help my village. But if the government will give us one, I will still gladly receive it)…”

The ceremonial cash distribution held at the sports complex of the respective locations and was also graced by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale, Hon. Miguel Antonio Magpale, and the officials of Danao and Carmen.

By: Renra Faith Sayon