Capitol revives P10k retirement fee for animal aides

CEBU, Philippines — After a seven-year hiatus, the Cebu provincial government is bringing back a P10,000 retirement benefit for Barangay Animal Health Aides (BAHAs) as part of its effort to recognize the contributions of the province’s frontline animal health workers.

The announcement was made by Governor Pamela Baricuatro during the BAHA Congress 2026 held Tuesday at the IEC Convention Center, where more than 800 BAHAs from across Cebu gathered for the first congress in seven years.

Baricuatro said the P10,000 benefit would be given to BAHAs upon retirement as a way for the provincial government to recognize their years of service.

“Mao na akong balikon ang nawala sa pito ka tuig nga alang sa tanan mu-retire, aduna mo'y P10,000 nga madawat gikan sa probinsya isip pasalamat sa inyong serbisyo,” said Baricuatro.

She acknowledged that the amount could not fully compensate for the years BAHAs had spent serving their communities but said the benefit was intended as a gesture of gratitude from the provincial government.

“Kay dili man pwede nga human ninyo og serbisyo, kalimtan lang nato ang inyong contribution,” she said.

Baricuatro said the return of the congress was also meant to serve as a reunion for BAHAs, noting that despite the seven-year absence of the gathering, the workers continued to perform their duties in their respective communities.

BAHAs continue to assist in the vaccination, deworming and monitoring of livestock, as well as in disease prevention and surveillance efforts in barangays.

Their work also supports farmers and livestock raisers whose livelihoods depend on healthy animals.

Baricuatro emphasized that protecting animal health also means protecting the livelihoods of Cebuano families, particularly those dependent on livestock and poultry raising.

“So when you protect an animal, you are also protecting someone's livelihood. When you prevent disease from spreading, you are protecting an entire community,” she said.

She also linked the work of BAHAs to the provincial government’s food security efforts, saying their presence on the ground is important in detecting diseases, educating farmers on proper animal care and biosecurity, and supporting vaccination and rabies prevention.

The BAHA Congress 2026 was organized by the Cebu Provincial Government through the Provincial Veterinary Office.

It featured lectures intended to strengthen the knowledge and skills of BAHAs in protecting Cebu’s livestock and poultry industry.

BAHA associations from different local government units (LGUs) were also recognized during the event for their contributions to animal health and agricultural development in their respective communities.

The congress also included the oath-taking of BAHA association officers.

Participants received 10 kilos of rice each, while raffle draws were also held during the gathering.

Baricuatro said she wanted the congress to be held annually, stressing that the event should be dedicated to the BAHAs who continue to work on the ground.

She also assured the workers that the provincial government would continue working to support them as they carry out their responsibilities in protecting Cebu’s animals, farmers and communities.

“Padayon ta sa pag-atiman. Padayon ta sa pagpanalipod. Padayon ta sa pagserbisyo,” the governor stressed. — /IHM (FREEMAN)