MARAWI CITY -- A measure that will provide compensation for both public and private health workers in Bangsamoro was filed by some Bangsamoro lawmakers on Tuesday, February 15.

Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, one of the authors of the proposed Parliament Bill 151 or the Compensation for Health Workers Act of 2021, said the sacrifices made by the healthcare workers to serve the sick and those suffering from COVID-19should not be forgotten and deserves the highest commendation."

Under the measure, the Bangsamoro government shall grant compensation in the amount of P30,000 to heirs of health workers who may die as a result of COVID-19 while in the performance of duty.

Following the death of a health worker, the bill mandates that the beneficiaries shall receive compensation no later than three weeks after filing all required documents.

All public and private health workers, will be covered by the proposed bill, regardless of employment status in hospitals and health facilities in the region.

“These frontliners who made the ultimate sacrifice to fight against the pandemic by rendering service to the Bangsamoro Region are entitled to be provided with financial assistance,” MP Loong said.

"No amount will ever be enough to repay them for their significant contribution to the fight against COVID-19, but through this initiative, the families they left behind are supported and taken care of," he added.

If passed into law, the amount necessary for the implementation of the bill shall be charged against the current year's available appropriations of the Ministry of Health and any sources available as may be identified by the Ministry of Finance and Budget and Management.

Other necessary implementing rules and regulations will also be issued by MOH and MFBM in consultation with ministries. (LTAIS - Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division).