The Department of Budget and Management has made an additional ₱451.31 million available for the Special Risk Allowance (SRA) of health workers who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients.
This would apply to eligible workers who were directly exposed to COVID-19 patients between December 20, 2020 and June 30, 2021, according to the agency.
“₱407.08 million was charged from the Contingent Fund while ₱44.23 million was charged from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund under the FY 2021 General Appropriations Act,”
DBM stated.
Overall, the department released ₱8.23 billion, benefiting ₱499,116 medical workers, each of whom received ₱5,000.
Previously, the Department of Health proposed including around ₱50 billion in its 2022 budget, the majority of which would fund the One COVID-19 Allowance.
If approved, the One COVID-19 Allowance would combine existing healthcare worker benefits such as the SRA, Active Hazard Duty Pay, Meal, Accommodation, and Transportation Allowance, and life insurance.