DBM releases P7.9-B for One Covid-19 Allowance

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the appropriated amount of PHP7.92 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) for the provision of the One Covid-19 Allowance (OCA) of 526,727 eligible public and private healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs involved in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) response. Of this amount, PHP4.50 billion is allocated for the Covid-19 benefits of 100,313 DOH plantilla personnel in public hospitals, offices, and rehabilitation centers, including those who are in military and state university hospitals.  The remaining PHP3.42 billion is for other 426,414 health workers reporting in local government units and private health facilities, among others. Under the OCA, each HCW and non-HCW shall receive Covid-19 benefits depending on their level of Covid-19 exposure as prescribed under DOH Administrative Order No. 2022-0001.  Specifically, health workers who are identified to be at high risk shall receive PHP9,000 a month while those who are determined to be in moderate and low risk are entitled to a monthly benefit of PHP6,000 and PHP3,000, respectively.  The benefit shall be given in full amount provided that the health professional physically reports to work for at least 96 hours per month, otherwise the benefit shall be prorated. Moreover, on top of the PHP7.92 billion lodged under the DOH’s budget, an additional PHP42 billion can be tapped under unprogrammed appropriations for the provision of the OCA this year.   The agencies issued DBM-DOH Joint Circular No. 2022-0001 to prescribe the guidelines for the grant of the OCA.  The DBM will continue to ensure the timely and prudent approval of the budget releases to ensure the welfare of the front-liners as the country bounces back from the impacts of the health crisis. (PR)