‘Sagip’ nurses to serve in DHs, RHUs w/monthly incentive pay

LAOAG CITY, May 11 – The first batch of nurses will begin their tour of duties in district hospitals and rural health units in Ilocos Norte under the provincial government’s Sagip Nars program.

The nurses will render services in government district hospitals (DHs) for three months and the other three months will be spent in RHUs.

Governor Imee Marcos launched the “Sagip Nars” program in March to provide first-time job for new registered nurses.

Nicole Rudio, provincial public employment service officer, said at least 100 nurses of the first batch will be fielded in the different towns and villages.

She said the program is also a part of Governor Imee’s poverty eradication agenda by providing and creating more jobs for every Ilocano.

“Sagip Nars provides work for nurses while searching for permanent jobs,” Rudio said.

She said the nurses will be given free soft skills training such as how to prepare a resumé, job interview and other necessary skills to prepare them further for their future careers.

Dr. Juanito Chua, chief executive officer of Ilocos Norte’s Hospital Management Council, said a Sagip Nars beneficiary is given a minimum monthly incentive pay of P5,000.

However, the beneficiaries will gain Certificate of Employment from their respective place of appointment which is important for their future job applications.

Dr.Provincial Health Officer Dr. Artemio Gambalan said the nurses will help in attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) by reducing child mortality rate, improving maternal health and combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

The second batch of the “Sagip Nars” program will be hired next year. (FREDDIE G. LAZARO)