NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
y 1
1:101 Senate
of flip
i'iptiUP
*22 JUL 13 P4 31
SEN
S. No
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A "Barangay Health Worker" commonly known as a "BHW" is "a person who 
has undergone training programs under any accredited government and non­
government organization and who voluntarily renders primary health care services in 
the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health 
board In accordance with the guidelines promulgated b r the DOH."1 They are trained 
to assist in various health programs such as those targeting Tuberculosis (TB), 
maternal and child health, immunization, and community education.2
They are part of our country's "frontllners" and are Indispensable in the 
delivery of basic health services at the grassroots level. Their crucial role as 
frontiiners have been emphasized during the COVID-19 pandemic, where they took 
charge in transporting positive COVID-19 patients to auarantine facilities as well as 
monitoring those in quarantine, and continuously assisted health professionals in the 
vaccination of community members.3 Along with our other frontline workers, they 
are directly exposed to the dangers of the pandemic and are risking their lives in 
service of the community.
Despite the above-illustrated importance of our BHWs, Republic Act C'R-A.") 
No. 7883, or the "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995", 
merely treat BHWs as "volunteers", and only receive honorarium plus specific 
allowances (e.g. hazard allowance, subsistence allowance) if qualified. They are also 
considerably stretched thin especially in rural areas, as a study found that the ratio 
of BHW to households ranges from 1:22 to 1:202, which is far from the DOH
Barangay Health Worker?" Accessed from:
1 
Department of Health, (n.d.) "What is a 
https://doh.gov.ph/faqs/What-is-Barangay-HeaIth-Worker
2 Querri, Aurora G., Ohkado, Akihiro, et al. (2020). "Assessment of the Role of Community Health Volunteers in 
Delivering Primary Health Care in Manila, the Philippines". Kokusai Hoken Iryo (Journal of International Health) 
Vol. 35, No. 1. Accessed from: https://www.jstage.jst.go.jP/article/jaih/35/l/35_15/_pdf
3 GMA News. (05 February 2022). "Panukalang Dagdag Allowances sa Frontiiners Kasama ang Barangay Health 
Workers Base sa Risk Exposure, Lusot na sa Kongreso". Saks/. Accessed from: 
https: //WWW .you tu be. com/watch ?v=VR WCm l_a_Sc


recommended ratio of 1:20.4 Moreover, the current system of BHW recruitment is 
prone to politicking as Barangay Captains are able to terminate BHWs who support 
political opponents and replace them with supporters.5
Hence, it is now high time to provide our BHWs with the corresponding 
benefits, salary and security befitting of their service and sacrifice, not only in 
recognition of their crucial role in bridging health care to the community as well as in 
our fight against COVID-19, but also to maximize their potential and to make them 
key partners of the government In the delivery of grassroots-level health services.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this legislative measure is 
hereby earnestly sought.
GRACE POE
4 Zuellig Family Foundation. (July 2011). "Rural Public Health Workers: Status and Implication on Service Delivery 
and Health Outcomes". Accessed from: https://zueIligfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Rural-Public- 
Health-Workers_Monograph.compressed.pdf
5 Ibid.


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
Ml
oI tiif $^ £ aTtarp
*22 11 13 P4 32
SEN
S. No
Introduced by Senator Grace Poe
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of
2 
Barangay Health Workers."
3 
Sec. 2. Statement of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
4 
promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure prosperity and
5 
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that
6 
provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of
7 
living, and an improved quality of life for all. The State recognizes that quality health
8 
care services promote social justice in all phases of national development.
9 
It Is likewise the declared policy of the S^ate to protect and promote the right
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to health of the people and to adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to
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health development. Primary Health Care is recognized as a major strategy towards
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health empowerment, emphasizing the need to provide accessible, available and
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affordable quality health services at the grassroots level.
14 
Pursuant thereto, the government and all its instrumentalities recognize the
15 
economic and social rights of barangay health workers to security of tenure and just
16 
compensation, consistent with the principle of equal pay for equal work and work of
17 
equal value.
18 
Sec. 3. Definition of terms. - As used in this Act, the term Barangay Health
19 
Worker (BHW) refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited
20 
government and nongovernment organization and who voluntarily renders primary
21 
healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function as
1


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such by the local health board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the
2 
Department of Health (DOH). The accredited BHW shall be given a copy of the proof
3 
of said accreditation.
4 
A BHW shall be considered as a public health worker as defined under
5 
Republic Act No. 7305 or the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers for purposes of
6 
receiving any special risk allowance granted to health workers for the COVID-19
7 
pandemic, and any other pandemic that may occur hereafter.
8 
Sec. 4. Registration. - BHWs shall be registered with the local health board In
9 
the city or municipality in which they render service. The registered health workers
10 
shall be given appropriate proof of said registration.
11 
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly maintain and update the
12 
BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation and shall submit the same
13 
to the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of
14 
their respective updated BHW registry to the Provincial Health Office which shall
15 
consolidate all registries. Upon the validation of the Provincial BHW Federation, the
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consolidated Provincial Registry shall be submitted to the Provincial Health Board,
17 
and the same shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin boards and barangay
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health centers.
19 
The provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every
20 
year to the DOH at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH is
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hereby mandated to maintain a national register of BHWs.
22 
In order to qualify for registration, a BHW must:
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(a) Have rendered basic community healthcare services continuously and
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satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of
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the filing of application for registration in the barangay as certified by the
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Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public health nurse assigned to the
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barangay and by the head of the barangay health workers association;
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(b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as prescribed
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by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government agency, or DOH-
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recognized academic Institution, or nongovernmental organization (NGO);
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(c) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the
32 
application for registration; and


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(d) Be physically and mentally fit.
2 
Sec. 5. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care services
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rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly
4 
registered BHW may apply for accreditation to the municipal or city health board.
5 
The municipal or city health board shall Issue the certificate of accreditation to
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qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:
7 
(a) Be registered in accordance with Section 4 hereof;
8 
(b) Have completed In the locality at least two (2) years of continuous and
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satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for
10 
accreditation;
11 
(c) Have completed a regular training program on heelth care sen/ice and
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community-based health program that would upgrade and develop the
13 
skills and competency of BHWs to perform their roles. The training
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program shall be institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local
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government units (LGUs).
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It shall be the duty of the municipal and city LGUs, in cooperation with the
17 
provincial government and the DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs the necessary
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support and opportunities for accreditation. This includes providing information on
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the availability of regular training programs for accreditation.
20 
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and
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accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not
22 
later than thirty (30) days from the date of application.
23 
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that Is
24 
accessible to the general public.
25 
Sec. 6. Number and Roie of Barangay Heaith Workers. - The DOH, in
26 
consultation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall 
21 determine the ideal ratio of BGWs to the number of households per barangay:
28 
Provided, That the total number of BHWs nationwide shall not be less than one (1%)
29 
of the total population. As far as practicable, the BHW to be employed must be a
30 
resident of the barangay.
31 
As one of the key partners in a reformed healthcare delivery system, the
32 
DOH and LGUs shall support the roles of BHWs as:


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(a) Advocate - to support, promote and champion current health programs,
2 
projects, and acth'ities to improve access to quality health services
3 
towards the improved health status of the community;
4 
(b) Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and
5 
health priorities of LGUs such as importance of birth plan and facility-
6 
based delivery In reducing maternal and Infant deaths; newborn screening
7 
for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders which may lead
8 
to mental retardation and even death, among others;
9 
(c) Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local professional
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health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to
11 
the community and inform the same to the community 
for appropriate
12 
action, if necessary;
13 
(d) Coordinator - to facilitate access to any group or association of the
14 
community with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health
15 
service providers;
16 
(e) Record Keeper - *"0 maintain updated records of health data, health
17 
activities and events in the community; and
18 
(f) Health Care Service Provider - to assist and provide basic healthcare
19 
services as may be needed In the community in any health event.
20 
A BHW shall not be required to engage in any partisan political activity.
21 
Sec. 7. Barangay Healtn Workers in the Botika sa Barangay. - When available
22 
and offered in the community, BHWs shall man and operate "Botika sa Barangay'"
23 
service in accordance with the relevant issuances of DOH. They shall be given
24 
appropriate trainings by the DOH and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in
25 
consultation with relevant professional organizations and associations.
26 
Sec. 8. Incentives and Benefits. - All BHWs who are actively and regularly
27 
performing their duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount of not
28 
less than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) subject to adjustment based on the
29 
prevailing market value, in addition to the following Incentives and benefits:
30 
(a) Privileges for the BHWs. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to twenty
31 
percent (20%) discount on all the items enumerated under Section 4(a) of
32 
Republic Act No. 9994 otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens


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Act of 2010": Provided, That the privileges shall not be claimed if the BHW 
is eligible for a higher discount that may be granted by the commercial 
establishment or oti ler 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 taxab!e year that the discount is granted: 
Provided, further, that the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net 
of value-added tax, 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;
(b) Hazard allowance. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to hazard 
allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board of the 
LCD 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. - All accredited BHWs who render service within 
the premises of isolated barangay health stations shall be entitled to 
subsistence allowance equivalent to the meals they take In the course of 
their duty, which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing 
circumstances as determined by the LGU concerned, such allowance shall. 
In no case, be less than One hundred pesos (PIOO.OO) per day;
(d) Transportation allowance. - All accredited BHWs, in the performance of 
their official duties, shall be entitled to a transportation allowance of not 
less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing 
rules and regulations;
(e) One-time retirement cash Incentive. - An accredited BHW who has 
continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years shall 
be entitled to a one-time retirement cash incentive of not less than Ten 
thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in recognition of their loyalty and dedication, 
which shall be borne by the municipality or city concerned. The provincial


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government may provide assistance for this purpose, in the case of 
component cities;
(f) 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 
concerned agencies and nongovernment organizations, provide 
Information on and opportunities for education and career enrichment for 
accredited BHWs, such as in the following programs:
(1) Educational programs which credit the years of primary healthcare
service of the BHW towards higher education completion in 
institutions with stepladder curricula thus allowiiig them to upgrade 
their skills and knowledge for community work or to pursue further 
training as midwives, pharmacists, nurses or doctors;
(2) Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, field
Immersion, and scholarships, among others;
(3) Scholarship benefits in the form of tuition fees in state colleges, to be
granted to one (1) child of every barangay health worker who will not 
be able to take advantage of the programs described In paragraphs 
(1), (2), and (3) hereof; and
(4) Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster
preparedness and other programs that address emergent community 
health problems and issues.
(g) Health benefits. - All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to the following 
health benefits during their incumbency:
(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


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clinic in case of extreme emergency where there is no available public 
hospital;
(3) Mandatory and immediate m.embership in the FhilHealth as indirect 
contributors;
(4) Disability or burial assistance in case of disability or death.
The LCDs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to 
accredited BHWs not otherwise provided by law;
(h) 
Insurance Coverage. - Accredited BHWs shall be granted insurance 
coverage and benefits by the Government Service Insurance System 
(GSIS) which shall be borne by the LGU concerned. For this purpose, the 
GSIS shall design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and 
unique circumstances of the BHWs;
(i) 
Sick, Vacation and Maternity Leaves. - Ail accredited BHWs shall be 
entitled to sick, vacation and maternity leaves as may be prescribed in the 
implementing rules and regulations of this Act: Provided, That, the BHWs 
shall continue to receive their monthly honoraria while on leave, for such 
period In accordance with existing laws and practices.
(j) 
Cash gift. - All accredited BHWs are entitled to a cash gift 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;
(k) 
Disability benefit. - An accredited BHW who sustains an injury or falls 
ill in the course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two 
thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for every year of service;
(l) 
Civil service eligibility. - A first grade eligibility shall be granted to 
accredited BHWs who have rendered three (3) 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 BHW's service in the computation of retirement benefits.
(m) Security of tenure. - No person duly registered or accredited as a BHW 
shall be removed except for a valid cause to be determined by the Local 
Health Board (LHB): Provided, That if found to be unjustly removed from


1 
service, a BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits
2 
and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of his
3 
reinstatement. The LHB shall resolve termination cases against a BHW
4 
judiciously not later than ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complaint;
5 
(n) 
Free legal service. - Legal representation and consultation services
6 
shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney's Office to a BHW in
7 
cases of coercion, interference, and civil and criminal cases filed by or
8 
against the BHW arising out of or in connection with the performance of
9 
their duties as such;
10 
(o) 
Preferential access to loan facilities. - The DOH in coordination with
11 
other concerned government agencies shall provide, within one hundred
12 
eighty (180) days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that shall
13 
provide organized L>HWs access to loan sendees. The agencies providing
14 
loan services shall set aside (1%) of their loanable funds for organized
15 
BHW groups that have community-based income generating projects in
16 
support of health programs or activities.
17 
Sec. 9. Review by the Local Health Board. - Every incentive or benefit for
18 
BHWs requiring expenditure of local funds shall be reviewed and approved by the
19 
LHB. Such benefits and incentives may be increased upon review of the LHB in
20 
consideration of, among others, the present Consumer Price Index (CPI) as
21 
published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
22 
Sec. 10. Discriminaticn Prohibited. - Discrimination against any BHW by
23 
reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious or political beliefs and ethnic
24 
groupings in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.
25 
Sec. 11. Right to Self-Organization. - A BHW shall have the right to freely
26 
form, join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through
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peaceful concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law, and with utmost
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regard to service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health
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services in the interest of public health> safety, and survival of patients.
30 
Sec. 12. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care
31 
Provider Network. - The president of the municipal or city association of BHWs shall
32 
be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The presidents of the


1 
association of BHWs of each component city and municipality associations of a
2 
province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial
3 
health board: Provided, That the BHW representatives to the health boards shall not
4 
be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation and disciplinary or removal
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complaints of BHWs.
6 
The BHWs shall also form part of the healthcare provider network and shall
7 
participate in the implementation of healthcare services and programs.
8 
Sec. 13. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. - The DOH shall conduct
9 
continuous capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their knowledge and
10 
skills. Including training programs conducted online and in major Philippine dialects.
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The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies,
12 
assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that highlight
13 
the collective experiences and learnings of BffWs and the use of traditional and
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complementary medicine.
15 
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for BHWs and
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other health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies
17 
concerned.
18 
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will
19 
allow them to benefit from ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No.
20 
10968, otherwise known as the "PQF Act," and Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise
21 
known as the "Ladderized Education Act of 2014," Including academic credits for
22 
health-related courses.
23 
Sec. 14. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of
24 
this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs,
25 
other local funds and the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223
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otherwise known as the "Universal Health Care Act".
27 
Sec. 15. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH and the DILG shall,
28 
in consultation with DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concerned government agencies,
29 
NGOs and stakeholders, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act
30 
not later than one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act.


1 
Sec. 16 Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
2 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not
3 
otherwise affected shall remain full force and effect.
4 
Sec. 17. Repealing Clause. - Republic Ad No. 7883. Otherwise known as the
5 
"Barangay Health Workers Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" is hereby repealed.
6 
All other laws, decrees, orders, circulars, issuances, rules and regulations which are
7 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
8 
Sec. 18. Effectivity. - This act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its
9 
publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) national newspaper of general 
10 circulation.
Approved,
10