Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the need to provide better opportunities and security of tenure for health workers especially those under the Department of Health (DOH) Human Resources for Health (HRH) program, saying that improving their conditions would encourage them to continue serving in the country rather than seeking work abroad.
During the Senate Committee on Health hearing on Wednesday, August 20, Go raised concerns about the plight of contractual workers who have long been serving as job orders, some for over a decade.
Go pointed out that many health workers he met during his visits to different provinces have expressed their desire for more stable employment. “Isa sa kanilang concern sa pag-iikot ko sa mga probinsya — ito pong Human Resources for Health Program ng DOH — nanawagan po sana ay maging regular po sila.”
“Ilan sa kanila, higit sampung taon na pong job order. Ano ba’ng plano ng DOH sa kanila sa ngayon? At ano ba’ng benepisyo na natatanggap nila at pinagkaiba po sa mga regular employees?” he asked.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa acknowledged the concern, pointing out that the HRH program was originally created as a contractual support mechanism for local government units (LGUs) that lacked sufficient medical professionals. He explained that because the health system is devolved, DOH provides doctors, nurses, and midwives through this program whenever LGUs cannot fill those gaps.
Herbosa also admitted that the situation has led to many health workers remaining in contractual status for as long as ten years. To address this, he said the department is now working on plans to convert these contractual positions into plantilla items.
He emphasized that DOH will coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to ensure that primary healthcare facilities can be staffed permanently, adding that any necessary legislation would require the support of both Congress and the Senate.
Go welcomed this proposal and assured that he is willing to work with DOH and Congress to pass the necessary legislation if needed. “Ako, I’m willing to help kung kailangan natin magpasa ng batas. Kawawa naman po itong mga ito. At saka, para naman po to discourage them to go abroad and just serve here sa atin. Kaya kulang talaga tayo sa mga health workers,” Go declared.
The senator underscored the gap between salaries of health workers in government hospitals and those in private hospitals, stressing that low wages in the private sector remain a major factor driving Filipino health professionals to seek work abroad.
“Aside from that, salamat na rin po dahil mas mataas po ang sweldo ng nasa gobyerno. Mga nasa private hospitals ay mas mababa po ‘yung sweldo. Hindi naman natin sila mapilit sa ngayon dahil, siyempre, pribado po ‘yan at… ayaw nilang malugi sa kanilang negosyo rin po,” he said.
Go noted that ensuring competitive salaries and job stability would be crucial in motivating health professionals to stay. “Pero importante sa akin ‘yung kapakanan ng ating mga health workers na sana po ma-engganyo sila na to serve here na lang po, whether in government or in private.”
“Kung tumaas po, maging at par na, hindi naman pareho, but hindi ganun kalayo ‘yung kanilang matatanggap na sweldo at ma-engganyo sila. Mas mahirap po mapalayo sa pamilya, hindi po nababayaran ang lungkot,” Go explained.
He further reminded the public of his long-standing push for the Advanced Nursing Education Program, which he said is also part of efforts to support the welfare of nurses. “At isa rin po sa aking final na bill sa kaalaman ng ating mga nurses, ito pong advance nursing bill rin po,” he mentioned.
Go has prioritized legislation filing bills supporting healthcare professionals. Senate Bill No. 172, or the proposed New Medical Technology Law, seeks to modernize professional standards for medical technologists. SBN 406, or the Advanced Nursing Education Program bill, aims to elevate nursing practice by providing opportunities for graduate-level training.
The New Philippine Midwifery Act, filed as SBN 675, seeks to update and modernize professional standards for midwives. In recognition of the vital role of grassroots health workers, SBN 412, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, proposes to secure tenure, benefits, and compensation for barangay health workers nationwide.
Herbosa concurred with Go’s point, observing that many nurses under the deployment program remain satisfied with their work even if they are only contractual. He noted that these health workers take pride in serving their own communities, providing primary care, and assisting their fellow residents. Because of this sense of fulfillment, many of them continually renew their contracts despite the lack of permanent status.
In response, Go emphasized the importance of ensuring that health workers are given the chance to transition into permanent positions. “So make them more happy, happier by sana magiging, give them opportunity na maging regular or permanent,” he urged.
Herbosa assured the committee that strengthening the status of health workers is part of the department’s agenda. He reported that 469 LGUs already have established health teams, composed not only of doctors or barangay health workers but also of nurses, midwives, nutrition scholars, and other support staff to deliver comprehensive services.
Through these exchanges, Go stressed that ensuring job security, competitive salaries, and career growth opportunities are essential in keeping healthcare professionals motivated to stay in the country and serve their fellow Filipinos.
“We aim to continue to pass legislation that will address the weaknesses and gaps of our healthcare system. Patuloy nating tututukan at ipaglaban ang pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng kapwa Pilipino. Dahil naniniwala ako na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.