Health comm reviews hazard pay request for Bolonsori Cemetery Workers

THE proposal to grant hazard pay to workers at Bolonsori Public Cemetery remains under thorough review following deliberations during the recent meeting of the Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Health Insurance chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane. 

During last week's meeting, Atty. Terence John Roa, a representative from the Department of Health Regional Office 10 (DOH-10), outlined the necessary steps for processing the request, emphasizing that the determination of entitlement lies with the DOH Central Office.

The City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) has requested hazard pay for a licensed embalmer, two assistants, an undertaker, and a driver working in the cemetery.

According to CLENRO, these roles expose employees to health risks, warranting compensation under hazard pay provisions. 

Atty. Roa clarified that the DOH had received a letter dated September 23, 2024, from Engr. Armen Cuenca, asking for a legal opinion on whether these cemetery workers qualify as public healthcare workers under the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers.

The final determination rests with the National Management Health Consultative Council, he said.

"COA audited the disbursement for last year and required a DOH certification that recipients are indeed healthcare workers. We’ve provided a list of documentary requirements that CLENRO must furnish to endorse the request to our Central Office for policy determination," said Roa. 

The required documents include a letter request signed by the City Mayor, the office's legal mandate, an organizational chart, certified true copies of the employees’ appointment papers (CSC Form), certification of duties and responsibilities, and relevant office orders for designated tasks. 

Roa also noted that CLENRO would need to highlight the hazardous nature of the work, such as handling and burying deceased persons under DOH protocols for infectious cases. 

If deemed eligible, workers could receive hazard pay and other Magna Carta benefits, including clothing allowances, subsistence allowances, and longevity pay.