The Oriental Mindoro Provincial Board has approved an ordinance expanding the coverage of incentives to include all certified barangay workers and appointive officials, Board Member Roland Ruga announced Tuesday.

The ordinance, primarily authored by Ruga and supported by Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor, extends financial benefits beyond the traditional recipients such as barangay health workers, nutrition scholars, and child development workers.

“No barangay worker will be left behind in receiving incentives from the provincial government,” Ruga said in a Facebook post.

The measure now includes bookkeepers, utility workers, sanitary inspectors, and other appointed barangay workers certified by their barangay captains and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Barangay workers, who serve as frontline government representatives at the grassroots level, typically receive only honoraria rather than regular salaries.

The expansion of incentives intends to recognize the barangay workers’ crucial role in delivering basic services to communities.

While acknowledging that the annual incentive is modest compared to the services rendered, Ruga pointed out that it symbolizes the provincial government’s deep appreciation for the workers’ sacrifice and dedication.

Oriental Mindoro has 426 barangays across its 14 municipalities and one city.

The ordinance is expected to benefit thousands of barangay workers across the province.

photo credit: Atty. Roland Ruga FB Page