The National Inquiry was able to document as well the uneven support for
Barangay Health Workers. Some barangays and LGUs are supportive of BHWs, providing
substantial separate allowance, in other cases the allowance is granted on a quarterly
basis and in an almost negligible amount. Reports have been made as well that the
appointment and provision of allowances of BHS have been subject to much politicizing
on the ground. The recommendation for the standardization of allowances for BHWs and
for the professionalization of their services are very well grounded.
Another challenge for health services providers is the lack or inadequate support.
Accounts have been made during the Inquiry on how many health workers are
overworked and underpaid, with some forced to work under conditions that threaten
their physical security. Reports were made that Barangay Health Stations, RHUs and
some municipal and provincial health facilities have insufficient supplies that again
prevent health workers and health services providers from performing their job. The
question of salary and regularization of health service providers and health workers also
indicate this lack or inadequate support. In some cases, some health workers face
criminal cases for negligence. This poses a challenged for health workers who lack legal
and financial support in such instances.
Health service providers and health workers both public and private are likewise
faced with challenges brought about by religious and cultural beliefs, misinformation and
misconception of RH, and the absence of health seeking behavior among the clientele.
During the inquiry, health service providers and health workers echo the challenges
posed by religious opposition and resistance to RH in the delivery of RH services. They
also elaborated on how some women refuse to avail of RH services and FP commodities
with the misplaced belief that RH is against their culture. It has been pointed out that
most of these barriers are based on misconceptions on RH and could well be addressed
by more comprehensive information dissemination at the community level and by
engaging religious and cultural leaders.
Good Practices
Throughout the conduct of the National Inquiry, the Commission has likewise
documented good practices both at the community and the local government level to the
national level. These good practices deserve recognition and strengthened
implementation:
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