Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. __1254
Introduced by Rep. MARCELINO R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Philippine Constitution affirms the State's duty to protect and promote
the right to health of the people and to ensure that health and other social services are
made available to all, especially the underprivileged. In pursuit of this mandate, the
government adopted the Primary Health Care Approach, empowering communities to
participate in health development through strategies such as organizing and training
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

However, the devolution of health services to local government units (LGUs)
under Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, has significantly
weakened the implementation of primary health care. In many LGUs, primary health
services are not prioritized due to persistent funding constraints. While the importance
of BHWs in delivering basic health services is widely recognized, their welfare and
support remain inadequate.

Although Republic Act No. 7883, entitled: “Barangay Health Workers Benefits
and Incentives Act of 1995”, was enacted to address this gap, its implementation has
been hampered by limited resources at the local level. In effect, many BHWs continue
to serve as “uncompensated volunteers”, lacking even the most basic support such as
transportation, subsistence, and hazard allowances. This undermines their critical role
in delivering promotive, preventive, curative, and palliative health care services to
underserved communities.

BHWs are integral to the success of universal health care at the grassroots.
They assist public health professionals and are often the first point of contact between
the health system and the community. Despite this, their contributions remain
undervalued. This bill seeks to correct this long-standing neglect by institutionalizing
the rights, benefits, and protections due to BHWs.

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This measure aims to establish a “Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers”
to ensure that all BHWs, whether accredited or registered, receive essential benefits,
including transportation allowance, hazard pay, subsistence allowance, and honoraria.
These are not perks, but necessary enablers for them to effectively fulfill their duties.
The bill also seeks to protect BHWs from political interference and to recognize their
invaluable contributions to public health and national development.

This measure reflects the State’s commitment to health equity, social justice,
and the fulfillment of its international obligations under the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) and the Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care. The passage of
this bill will help strengthen the foundation of community health systems and ensure
that our BHWs are no longer treated as invisible workers, but as indispensable
partners in building a healthier nation.

This bill was reported out by the Committee on Local Government during the
49" Congress. It was subsequently passed by the House of Representatives on third
reading early in the first regular session of the 19" Congress. The Senate likewise
passed their own version of the measure on third reading during the third regular
session of the same Congress. However, due to lack of material time, the Conference
Committee to discuss the differences of the two versions were not convened in time
of the sine die adjournment of the 19" Congress.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Representative
First District, Marikina City

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

rn
House sitno.__1254

Introduced by Rep. MARCELINO R. TEODORO

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of the Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of
Barangay Health Workers”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach to health development, and pursuant thereto, it shall
endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare and other social services available to
all the people. In line with the country’s commitment to accomplish health indicator
targets under United Nations sustainable development goals, the State shall adopt
policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers who are
the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and effectively
hamess their potential as partners in development.

SEC. 3. Definition. - As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker”
refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited government or
non-government organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare
services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local
health board.

SEC. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers

(BHWs) as defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and
benefits granted under this Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have

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undergone at least two (2) years of 17 training: Provided, however, That duly
registered barangay health workers shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria and hazard
allowance as provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further, That when the BHW
receives a fixed salary under a permanent appointment in any government office, by
election to another public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage
under this Act shall automatically cease and the BHW shall be covered under
applicable laws.

SEC. 5. Registration. - All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board
in the city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be given
appropriate proof of said registration.

The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the
BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be
subject to the approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices
shall submit a copy of the updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health
Office for consolidation and validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW
Federation, which shall also be subject to the approval of the Provincial Health Board.
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin board
and barangay health centers.

The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every
year to the Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for
consolidation. The DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs.

In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must:

(a) Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and
satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of
the filing of application for registration in the barangay as recommended by
the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public health nurse assigned to the
barangay and by the head of the barangay health workers association and
certified by the Sangguniang Barangay;

(b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as prescribed
by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government agency, or DOH-
recognized academic institution, or (NGO);

(c) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the
application for registration; and

(d) Be physically and mentally fit.

It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with
the Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation
and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application.

SEC. 6. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care services
rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, @ duly
registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board.

The municipal or city health board shall issue a certificate of accreditation to
qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:

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(a) _ Be registered in accordance with Section 5 hereof;

(b) Have satisfactorily undertaken the role of a BHW in the locality as
provided for in Section 7 hereof, for at least two (2) years of continuous
and satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for
accreditation; and

(c) Have completed a regular training program on health care service and
community-based health program in order to upgrade and develop the
skills and competency required of a BHW. The training program shall be
institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local government units
(LGUs).

It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in
cooperation with the provincial government and DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs
the necessary support and opportunities for accreditation.

A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and
community-based health program within five (5) years from registration.

The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and
accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not
than later thirty (30) days from the date of application.

The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is
accessible to the general public.

SEC. 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health
Workers. -As one of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the
DOH and LGUs shall support BHWs as they perform the following roles:

(a) Advocate - to support, promote and champion current health programs,
projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services
towards the improved health status of the community;

(b) Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and
health priorities of LGUs such as the importance of a birth plan and
facility-based delivery in reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn
screening for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders which
may leads to mental retardation and even death, among others;

(c) _ Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local professional
health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to
the community and inform the same to the community for appropriate
action, if necessary;

(d) _ Linker - to facilitate access to any group or association of the community
with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health service
providers;

(e) Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health
activities and events in the community; and

(0) Health Care Service Provider — to assist and provide basic health care
services as may be needed in the community in any health event.

The BHW shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

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(a) Height and weight monitoring, and reporting the same to the barangay;

(b) Monitoring and following up of defaulted cases of immunization, family
planning, tuberculosis compliance to treatment and others, and reporting
the same to the barangay;

(c) Reporting to the barangay any incidence of disease or any health cases
in the community;

(d) Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate in
barangay health center activities;

(e) Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community;

(f) Administering first aid;

(g) Conducting health visits;

(h) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women;

(i) Conducting health education;

(j) Strengthening referral systems;

(k) Collecting sputum;

(|) _ Identifying people with disease and sickness;

(m) Community health profiling;

(n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives;

(0) Responding in natural calamities and disasters; and

(p) Coordinating closely with the local government health officer in the
implementation of health programs in the locality.

SEC. 8. Number of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). - Subject to relevant
laws, and in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective local
government units, the number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by and
based on the particular need of the barangay for BHW services.

The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the
number of households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers
nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.

The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of
BHWs.

SEC. 9. Incentives and Benefits. - All
regularly performing their duties and responsi
incentives and benefits:

redited BHWs who are actively and
s Shall be entitled to the following

(a) Monthly Honoraria in the amount of not less than Three thousand pesos
(P3,000.00), subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value;

(b) Hazard Allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board
of LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than One thousand pesos
(P1,000.00) per month, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations;

(c) Subsistence Allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of
their duty, which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing conditions
as determined by the LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than

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‘One hundred pesos (P100.00) per day: Provided, That the accredited BHW
shall render service within the premises of isolated barangay health stations
in order to make it available at any and all times;

(d) Transportation Allowance of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00)

per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations, on the condition that
the availment of transportation services are in line with the performance of
the BHW's official duties and responsibilities;

(e) One-time Gratuity Cash Incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos

(P10,000.00) in recognition of the BHW's loyalty and dedication and for
having continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years;

Discount Privileges for BHWs. - All BHWs shall be entitled to twenty percent
(20%) discount on all the items enumerated under Section 4(a) of Republic
Act No, 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of
2010: Provided, That the privileges shall not be claimed if the BHW is
eligible for a higher discount as may be granted by the commercial
establishment and/or other existing laws.

The commercial establishment may claim the discount granted under this
section as tax deduction based on the cost of goods sold or services
rendered: Provided, That the discount shall be allowed as deduction from
the gross income for the same taxable year that the discount is granted:
Provided further, That the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net of
VAT, if applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipt for tax
purposes and shall be subject to proper documentation and to the
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended.

(g) Training, Education, and Career Enrichment Programs. - The DOH shall, in

coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA), DOH-recognized academic institutions, other
concemed agencies and non-government organizations, provide
information on and opportunities for 27 education and career enrichment for
accredited BHWs, such as the following:

1) Educational programs which credit the years of primary health care
‘service of the BHW towards higher education completion in institutions
with stepladder curricula, thus allowing them to upgrade their skills and
knowledge for community work or to pursue further training as midwives,
pharmacists, nurses or doctors;

Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, field immersion,
scholarships; and

Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster
preparedness and other programs that address emergent community
health problems and issues.

2)

3

(h) Health Benefits. - During their incumbency, all BHWs are entitled to the

following health benefits:

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1) Free medical care, including surgery and surgical expenses, medicines,
x-ray and other laboratory fees, when confined in any public hospital or
health institution;

2) Emergency assistance not exceeding the amount of five thousand pesos
(P5,000.00) chargeable against the fund of the barangay concerned, for
expenses incurred in the nearest private hospital or clinic in case of
extreme emergency where there is no available public hospital; and

3) Mandatory and immediate membership in the Philippine Health
Insurance 10 Corporation (Philhealth) as indirect contributors.

@

Insurance Coverage. - All BHWs shalll be granted insurance coverage and
benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which
shall be bome by the LGU concemed. For this purpose, the GSIS shall
design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and status of
BHWs;

(

Sick and Maternity Leaves. - All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and maternity
leaves as prescribed by the Local Health Board: Provided, That, the BHWs
shall continue to receive their monthly honoraria while on leave, for such
period in accordance with existing laws and practices;

(k) Cash Gift. - All accredited BHWs are entitled to cash gift of not less than the
minimum monthly honoraria to be given every December from the general
fund of the barangay or from such other funds appropriated by the national
government for the purpose;

()

Disability Benefit. - An accredited BHW who sustains injury or sickness in
the course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two
thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for every year of service;

(m) Civil Service Eligibility. - A second grade eligibility shall be granted to
accredited BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous service as
such: Provided, That, should a BHW become a regular employee of the
government, the total numbers of years served as such shall be credited to
the BHWs service in computing the retirement benefits;

(n) Free Legal Services. - Legal representation and consultation services shall
be immediately provided by the Public Attomey’s Office to an accredited
BHW in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases
filed by or against BHWs arising out of or in connection with the
performance of their duties as such;

(0) Preferential Access to Loan. - The DOH in coordination with other
concemed government agencies shall provide, within One hundred eighty
(180) days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that shall provide
BHWs organized access to loan services. The agencies providing loan
services will set aside one percent (1%) of their 5 loanable funds for
organized BHW groups that have community-based income generating 6
projects in support of health programs or activities.

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Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered BHWs shall
be entitled to monthly honoraria and hazard allowance.

The LGUs concemed shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits
to BHWs not otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 10. Annual Review. - The local health boards shall conduct an annual
review of the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives and
allowances enumerated in the immediately preceding Section taking into
consideration the current consumer price index as published by the Philippine
Statistics Authority.

SEC. 11. Discrimination Prohibited. - Discrimination against any BHW by
reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic groupings
in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.

SEC. 12. Protection of BHWs. - No accredited BHW shall be removed except
for a valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall
resolve termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days
from the receipt of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly
removed from service, the BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of
benefits and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of reinstatement.

SEC. 13. Grievance Mechanism. - The LHB shall establish a grievance
mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of
discrimination and unjust removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the
LHB shall be final and executory.

SEC. 14, Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of BHWs. -
There shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing the
municipal, city, provincial, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, articulate,
and crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and with utmost regard to
service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the
interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients.

The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their
respective local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to
comprise the national board of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-
General shall be chosen from among the national federation members to manage the
day-to-day operation and activities of the federation. The respective boards of
directors may create such other positions as may be necessary for the management
of the affairs of the local and national federation.

SEC. 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health
Care Provider 8 Network. - The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs
shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The respective
presidents of the federation of BHWs of each city and municipality federation of a
province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial
health board: Provided, That the BHW representatives to the local health boards shall

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not be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation, and disciplinary or removal
complaints of BHWs.

The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network, in the
implementation of health care services and programs.

SEC. 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. -No BHW
shall engage in any partisan political activity.

SEC. 17. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. - The DOH shall conduct
continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge
and skills through various forms including online leaming and multimedia in major
Philippine dialects.

The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies,
assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the
collective experiences and leanings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and
complementary medicine.

The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs
and other 26 health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other
agencies concerned.

The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will
allow them to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No.
10968, otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic
Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including
academic credits for health-related courses.

SEC. 18. Observance of BHW Day. - Every barangay shall commemorate
BHW Day during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of Barangay Health
Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in
promoting health and wellness among the citizenry.

The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG) and all local goverment units shall hold simple ceremonies or
activities to highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building.

SEC. 19. Penalty Clause. - Any local government official who violates any
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with
law.

SEC. 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the LGUs, other local
funds, the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the
“Universal Health Care Act”.

SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - The DOH and the DILG

shall, in consultation with the DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concerned government
agencies and non-governmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to

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implement this Act not later than One hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of
this Act.

SEC. 22. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. - Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” is hereby repealed.
All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly.

SEC. 24. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

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