City Council authorizes Mayor Uy to sign MOA for HEA distribution

THE 20th City Council, during its regular session on Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, enacted an ordinance authorizing City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM) for the implementation of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for public and private healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MOA aligns with Republic Act 11712, the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, which mandates the payment of HEA, sickness and death compensation, and other benefits to HCWs and non-HCWs during the pandemic and future public health emergencies. The retroactive coverage of the HEA starts from July 1, 2021.

Under the agreement, DOH CHD-NM will transfer funds to the city based on the approved HEA forms, subject to the submission of complete documentary requirements and the issuance of a Certificate of Availability of Funds.

Meanwhile, the city is responsible for the submission of approved HEA and attestation forms to the DOH CHD-NM prior to the fund transfer. It will also handle the disbursement of HEA benefits to eligible workers, following guidelines from DOH-DBM JAO No. 2023-0001 and DOH AO No. 2022-0039. Additionally, the city will ensure no duplicity in beneficiaries, requiring HCWs and non-HCWs to sign a quitclaim to return excess amounts if they receive multiple HEA benefits for the same period.

The ordinance was sponsored by the City Council Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Health Insurance, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, and the Committee on Laws and Rules, chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas.