NAVAL, Biliran, (PIA) –The top official of the health department in Eastern Visayas region lauded the municipality of Naval for enacting an ordinance granting benefits and incentives to its accredited barangay health workers (BHWs).

Dr. Jose R. Llacuna, regional director, Department of Health (DOH) in Region 8, was present during the ceremonial signing of the implementing rules and regulations of municipal ordinance no. 19 series of 2012 otherwise known as “An Ordinance Granting Benefits and Incentives to Accredited Barangay Health Workers and for other purposes” as amended .

The ceremonial signing which was held recently at the old session hall of the Sangguniang Bayan of Naval was witnessed by Naval local officials and employees led by Mayor Susan V. Parilla including the BHWS of the 26 barangays of the town.

Llacuna said the ordinance was the first local legislation he knew which granted the partner of the health department at the grassroots level in the delivery of different health programs, projects and activities.

“I salute Naval”, Llacuna emphasized in his message recognizing the efforts of the town’s local officials especially to councilor Gabino S. Velasquez, IV, who is a medical doctor by profession, the principal author of said ordinance.

He also said he would like that other local government units (LGUs) in EasternVisayas and even in the whole country to replicate the ordinance on BHWS enacted by Naval.

“It is high time for LGUs to recognize the volunteer health workers whose benefits and incentives have been neglected for some time” he said further. (PIA 8 Biliran)