BACOLOD City — The Committee on Health and Sanitation of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod is pushing for an increase in the monthly allowance of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) in recognition of their vital role in delivering grassroots health and nutrition services.
Em Ang, chairperson of the committee, authored a proposed ordinance seeking to amend Section 3.1 of City Ordinance No. 342, series of 2003, as amended by City Ordinance No. 1057.
Under the proposed measure, the monthly allowance of BNS workers in Bacolod will increase from the current P7,000 to P8,000 starting in 2027 and to P9,000 beginning in 2028.
The ordinance cited the continuing rise in the prices of basic commodities and the increasing cost of living as reasons for the proposed adjustment.
“The current allowance is no longer sufficient to sustain their daily needs and compensate for the essential public service they provide at the grassroots level,” Ang said.
The proposal emphasized that Barangay Nutrition Scholars play a critical role in monitoring the nutritional status of children and serving as a link between communities and nutrition-related service providers.
The measure, which was approved on first reading by the city council last week, also cited Presidential Decree No. 1569, which mandates the deployment of one Barangay Nutrition Scholar in every barangay, and Republic Act No. 7160, which directs local government units to promote the general welfare, including health and safety services.
City Ordinance No. 342 institutionalized Bacolod’s nutrition programs and granted allowances to BNS workers in recognition of their contribution to the city’s healthcare system. It was later amended through City Ordinance No. 1057 in 2023 to update the financial provisions for the scholars.
Under the proposed amendment, the city government aims to ensure the continuous and efficient delivery of health and nutrition services at the barangay level by providing additional financial support to BNS personnel.
Meanwhile, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are also set to receive higher monthly allowances following the approval on final reading of City Ordinance No. 1148 by the city council last month.
Ang said the ordinance provides for a P1,000 increase in the current P7,000 monthly allowance, raising it to P8,000 starting in January 2027 and to P9,000 beginning in January 2028, subject to the availability of funds./PN
