14,500 Iloilo Volunteers to Receive Allowance Increase

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Around 14,500 community volunteers under the Iloilo Provincial Government are set to receive increased annual allowances between December 2 and 13, 2024.

The honorarium for volunteers has been raised from PHP 4,000 to PHP 5,000, requiring a total budget allocation of PHP 72.5 million.

The increase recognizes the crucial role these volunteers play in implementing health, nutrition, and social welfare programs across the province.

Beneficiaries include Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), Barangay Service Point Officers (BSPOs), Day Care Workers (DCWs), and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs).

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. said the allowances are a token of gratitude for their invaluable contributions.

“This is just a small amount compared to the services they render to our communities, but we hope it helps them and their families this Christmas season. What is important is that we recognize their vital contributions to the success of our programs,” Defensor stated.

To make distribution more accessible, allowances will be released by district or cluster to minimize travel for the recipients.

Distribution Schedule:

December 2 – Fifth District

• Municipalities: Sara, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Batad, Estancia, Balasan, and Carles
• Payment Center: Concepcion

December 3 – Fifth District

• Municipalities: Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Ajuy, and Lemery
• Payment Center: Ajuy

December 4 – Fourth District

• Municipalities: Barotac Nuevo, Dumangas, Anilao, and Banate
• Payment Center: Banate

December 5 – Fourth District

• Municipalities: Passi City, Dingle, Dueñas, and San Enrique
• Payment Center: Passi City

December 9 – First District

• Morning: Oton, Tigbauan, Guimbal, and Tubungan
• Afternoon: Igbaras, Miag-ao, and San Joaquin
• Payment Center: Guimbal

December 10 – Second District

• Municipalities: Alimodian, San Miguel, and Leon
• Payment Center: Leon

December 11 – Second District

• Municipalities: Pavia, Sta. Barbara, New Lucena, Leganes, and Zarraga
• Payment Center: New Lucena

December 12 – Third District

• Municipalities: Cabatuan, Janiuay, Calinog, Bingawan, Maasin, and Lambunao
• Payment Center: Lambunao (exact venue to be announced)

December 13 – Third District

• Municipalities: Pototan, Mina, and Badiangan
• Payment Center: Badiangan

Governor Defensor added that the provincial government is also planning long-term projects, such as building multipurpose facilities for BSPOs, to enhance service delivery and support grassroots volunteers.

These initiatives reflect the province’s commitment to those who serve as front liners in delivering critical community programs, including during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.