THE Department of Budget and Management released P30.11 billion for the health emergency allowance (HEA) claims of health care and non-health care workers in the country for 2023.

"Part of President Bongbong Marcos' commitment is the continuous provision of financial support to our health care and non-health care workers," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement on Monday.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. Photo from DBM facebook page

"They deserve all our care and support because when we needed them, they risked their lives and safety just to save and care for us," she added.

Pangandaman gave assurances that the entitlements and benefits of the country's health care and non-health care workers will be consistently guaranteed.

For 2024, P18.96 billion was allotted in the General Appropriations Act to cover eligible public and private health care and non-health care workers' HEA claims. The allocated funds are available starting Jan. 1, 2024.

"We will endeavor to release the balance, as well as the unfunded HEA claims of roughly P14 billion, to fulfill the commitment of President Bongbong Marcos in his SONA," Pangandaman said.