President Marcos said that P59.8 billion or 78.92 percent of the Covid health emergency allowance (HEA) was already distributed to the country's health workers.

Marcos said this as the Philippines celebrated National Health Workers' Day on Tuesday, May 7.

In a Facebook post, the President said the government would continue to honor the sacrifices of medical workers who are renowned worldwide.

"Alinsunod sa ating pangako, naipamahagi na ng ating administrasyon ang P59.8 bilyon o 78.92 percent ng Covid health emergency allowance sa ating mga bayaning frontliner (As promised, this administration has distributed the P59.8 billion or 78.92 percent of the Covid health emergency allowance to our heroic frontliners)!" he wrote.

"Ngayong Health Workers' Day, mas pinahahalagahan natin ang sakripisyo ng ating mga frontliner na naglilingkod nang buong puso at nagpapakita sa mundo ng galing at malasakit ng Pinoy (This Health Workers' Day, we appreciate more the sacrifices of our frontliners who continue to serve wholeheartedly and show the world the skills and care of Filipinos)," he added.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it had released P91.2 billion to cover the benefits of healthcare workers since 2021.

It called on the Department of Health (DOH) to finalize the computation of pending HEA claims to determine if additional funding is required.

Under the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowance for Health Care Workers Act, healthcare workers are entitled to HEAs for every month of service while the country is under a state of public health emergency.

Republic Act (RA) No. 10069, signed in April 2010, declared May 7 of every year "Health Workers' Day" to recognize the important role and contributions of health workers.

It also aims to "promote their rights and welfare and enhance their sense of worth and dignity."