MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the request of the Department of Health (DOH) to hire more than 15,000 healthcare professionals as the country fights the coronavirus pandemic. According to President Rodrigo Duterte’s fifth report to Congress on government measures in response to the health crisis, P2.7 billion budget was given for the additional 15,757 healthcare professionals under a contract of service for a period of three months. In his fourth report to Congress, Duterte said that the health department asked for a P5.2 million budget for the hiring of 17,757 health personnel. As of April 27, there are 7,777 COVID-19 cases in the country, with the death toll at 511. For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH Hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 27, 2020 12:56 UTC