DBM releases P6.767B for health worker benefits

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P6.767 billion to cover claims for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) of medical workers from 2021 to 2023.

This fund benefits 1,411,546 healthcare workers from local government units, private health facilities, state universities, and other institutions.

The release, approved by Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, is charged against the Unprogrammed Appropriations of the 2025 General Appropriations Act, specifically from the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP).

Pangandaman emphasized the release aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to recognize the services of health sector workers during the pandemic.

She urged the Department of Health (DOH) to distribute the funds to the health sector workers promptly, as they have been waiting for a long time.

The national government had previously authorized these benefits and compensation for both healthcare and non-healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DBM has previously allotted and released P121.325 billion to the DOH for various COVID-19 related allowances and benefits.