Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) following the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to PHP6.767 billion. In a statement, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the amount will be used to settle the remaining balance of the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) for qualified health and care workers, upon the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

According to Philippines News Agency, Herbosa highlighted that similar to the previous year, the DOH has promptly managed to pay the pending claims of health and care workers within approximately two months after the SARO was issued. Herbosa emphasized the importance of immediate payment to registered health workers, stating, "As long as they are registered, they should receive the HEA right away."

Herbosa also reminded local government units and private hospitals or clinics to ensure the prompt and orderly payment to health and care workers upon receiving the funds from the DOH. The HEA is a government-mandated benefit for health and care workers who served during public health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.