Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 392 __

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE GERALD CLOYD ALEXIS V. GALANG

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Under Republic Act No. 7883, Section 3 defines Barangay Health Worker as 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 by the Department of Health.

Operating on the vital front lines of primary healthcare delivery within our
communities, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) hold a truly indispensable position. Their
dedication forms the bedrock of accessible healthcare, making their contributions
absolutely critical to the well-being of society at large, especially in areas with limited
resources or inadequate access to health services, Recognizing this profound importance,
it becomes not just advisable, but an essential obligation for the government to implement
and support comprehensive measures. These measures must be specifically designed to
actively promote, develop, and significantly improve the overall welfare of our
hardworking Barangay Health Workers, ensuring they are adequately supported and valued
for their essential role.

To formally acknowledge and show appreciation for our dedicated Barangay
Health Workers (BHWs), this legislation has been proposed. It aims to achieve this by
establishing a system of incentives that specifically recognizes the significant contributions
and diligent efforts they consistently exert. Furthermore, this measure seeks to enhance the
existing support framework for BHWs, building upon the foundation laid by Republic Act
No. 7883. Under this measure, the benefits afforded to these vital community members
would be increased, including the provision of higher set honoraria and expanded access
to crucial health insurance coverage through institutions such as the Government Service
Insurance System (GSIS) and Philhealth. As one of the pillars and backbone of our
healthcare system, they deserved no less. Therefore, we earnestly seek approval for this
bill.

2™ Legislative District. City of Valenzuela


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 392 __

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE GERALD CLOYD ALEXIS V. GALANG:

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:

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 a\ailable 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 harness their potential as partners in
development.

SEC. 3. Definition. — 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 undergone at least
two (2) years of actual training or deployment: 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 I3HW 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 BIIW Registry shall be subject
to the approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit

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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, ot 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,

(@) 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, a 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:

(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;

(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 BI1Ws not than later thirty (30)
days from the date of application.

‘The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWss 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,

(a) 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;

(f) 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:

(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;

(1) 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 accredited BHWs who are actively and
regularly performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the following
incentives and benefits:


(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 concemed, 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 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;

(f) 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 concerned
agencies and non-government organizations, provide information on and
opportunities for education, lifelong learning, 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,

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

3) Special training program and lifelong learning opportunities such as

traditional medicine, disaster preparedness, functional literacy, and other

programs that address emergent community health problems and issues,


(h) Health Benefits. — During their incumbency, all BHWs are entitled to the following
health benefits:

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,

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;

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

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3

(i) Insurance Coverage. - All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and benefits
from 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 status of BHWs,

(j) 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;

(1) 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;

(a)

Free Legal Services, - Legal representation and consultation services shall be
immediately provided by the Public Attorney’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;

Preferential Access to Loan. - The DOH in coordination with other concerned
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 loanable funds for organized BHW groups that have community-based
income generating projects in support of health programs or activities.

(0)

Uniform Allowance and other enabling tools ~ each barangay, city or municipal
government shall provide for the uniform allowance or tools and medical kits
needed by the BHWs in the conduct of their duty

(P

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

‘The LGUs concerned 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 belicfs 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 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 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 DOI shall conduct
continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge
and skills through various forms including online learning 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 learnings 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 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 government 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 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,