Barangay Nutrition Scholars in the region continue delivering their duties and responsibilities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the nature of their work, they are at risk of contacting COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. The MA being provided to them, alongside the other assistances, is beneficial for continuous delivery of health and nutrition services. (Photos were taken pre-pandemic).

Cordillera Administrative Region – Number of Barangay Nutrition Scholars given medical and survivorship assistance increased up to 2.56% from CY 2020 to 2021.

In 2020, 14 BNSs availed medical assistance (MA) and four BNSs beneficiaries were given survivorship assistance (SA), whereas in 2021, 38 BNSs availed MA and eight BNS beneficiaries were provided with SA.

With the surge of COVID-19 cases this year, 25 out of 38 BNSs who availed MA contracted COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. Similarly, seven out of eight BNSs succumbed to respiratory- related illnesses.

Through NNC Memorandum No. 2020-006, the guideline for providing medical and survivorship assistance to BNSs was revised to prescribe standard requirement and procedures for extending the assistance to the BNSs.

Aside from the one-time per year medical assistance amounting to Php 5,000 as additional assistance for confinement in a hospital and related post-confinement expenses, the MA was also extended to BNSs undergoing dialysis treatment (without the requirement of being admitted in a hospital facility) and BNSs who have contracted or have been exposed to persons with COVID-19 during their fieldwork (this can only be availed during the pandemic).

Also, the survivorship assistance amounting to Php 20,000 remains to be provided to beneficiaries of BNSs who passed away, regardless of the cause of death.

The requirements needed to avail the assistance may be accessed through link https://bit.ly/3fxX5vA.

In the country, various assistances are likewise given to BNSs, such as a modest monthly traveling allowance, benefits, and incentives from the NNC and from the provincial, city and municipal or barangay governments. Considering that the BNSs are in the frontline putting themselves at risk of exposure especially this pandemic, NNC-CAR OIC-NPC Bella Basalong reminds all BNSs to stay safe and follow health protocols and assures them that the agency is willing to help by means of the assistances being provided for them to be able to continue their vital role as government partners in the delivery of basic health and nutrition services to communities and the people.

PERLYNE Q. MARTIN & BELLA M. BASALONG

Reference:

NNC Memorandum No. 2020-006: Revised guideline for providing medical and survivorship assistance to Barangay Nutrition Scholars