Ben Tulfo Proposes Life Insurance for Barangay Volunteers
March 25, 2025, Manila – In a recent campaigning event, senatorial candidate Ben "Bitag" Tulfo emphasized the critical need for life insurance coverage for barangay volunteers, who play an essential role in disaster response and community support. Addressing residents of Talavera and Rizal in Nueva Ecija, Tulfo highlighted the risks these volunteers undertake while serving their communities, particularly during calamities.
"What if you die as a volunteer frontliner during a calamity? What will happen to your family left behind? There is no life insurance in this dangerous work?" Tulfo raised these poignant questions as he called for increased recognition and support for barangay volunteers, who often sacrifice their time and safety for the welfare of others.
Tulfo’s remarks come amid a growing call for governmental reform to ensure better welfare for these community heroes. Currently, many barangay volunteers receive insufficient compensation, with some only earning allowances as low as P1,000 per month. "We must give dignity and importance to the volunteer frontliners in the barangay, under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other relevant agencies," he stated.
In his discourse, Tulfo mentioned the pressing need to review current laws pertaining to disaster and emergency responses, indicating that the welfare of volunteers is paramount. He reiterated his commitment to advocate for the creation of a dedicated Department of Disaster and Emergency, aimed at enhancing the management of disaster responses, timely distribution of relief goods, and the overall rehabilitation of affected communities.
The rallies held in Nueva Ecija attracted local barangay officials, community members, and students, all of whom expressed keen interest in the hopeful reforms Tulfo intends to champion if elected. His proposal for life insurance serves not only as a protective measure for volunteers but as a recognition of their valuable contributions to the safety and resilience of their communities in the face of disasters.
As the campaigning period intensifies ahead of the 2025 elections, Tulfo’s focus on volunteer welfare highlights a significant aspect of local governance and community resilience, reminding citizens and policymakers alike of the crucial role played by grassroots volunteers in emergency management.
