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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 24 a

Introduced by Representative GIRLIE E. VELOSO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The 1987 Philippine Constitution enshrines the State’s fundamental duty to uphold social justice and
Promote the general welfare of its people. Central to this is the explicit mandate under Article Il,
Section 15 to “protect and promote the right to health of the people,” alongside the broader
commitments under Article XI to safeguard labor, provide essential social services, and recognize
the indispensable role of all sectors in national development. ‘These constitutional ditectives form a
clear legal and moral foundation for ensuring that those who serve at the frontlines of public health,
Particularly at the grassroots, are given the support, protection, and dignified working conditions
they rightfully deserve.

For decades, the backbone of primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level in the Philippines
hhas been sustained by a dedicated but largely unrecognized workforce. ‘These community health
workers often operate without standardized support systems, facing inadequate compensation,
Precarious job security, and limited access to professional development opportunities. ‘Their
invaluable contributions, particularly in remote, underserved, and low-income communities, have
frequently been rendered under challenging conditions, susceptible to political shifts and lacking the
social protection afforded to other public servants. This systemic oversight has created significant
saps in the equitable and sustained provision of essential health services, hindering the nation’s
progress towards universal healthcare coverage.

Barangay Health Wotkers (BHWs) stand as the unsung heroes of the Philippine healthcare system.
They are the first point of contact for countless Filipinos, providing vital health education,
conducting home visits, assisting in immunization drives, and facilitating referrals, often with
minimal resources and recognition. Despite their critical role in bridging the gap between health
facilities and communities, many BHWs have historically operated under informal arrangements,
relying on meager allowances or purely voluntary service. This precarious status has led to high


turnover rates, diminished morale, and an inability to attract and retain qualified individuals, directly
impacting the quality and continuity of health services, especially in areas where healthcare access is
already severely limited.

Ie is against this backdrop that the "Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers Act” is proposed.
This Bill aims to institutionalize, professionalize, and clevate the status of BHWs nationwide. It
seeks to establish a comprehensive framework that guarantees their rights, defines their duties, and
ensures their welfare. Specifically, the bill mandates a standardized system for accreditation and
training, provides for a decent minimum monthly honorarium, ensures security of tenure by
protecting them from political displacement, and extends crucial social protection benefits such as.
PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and SSS coverage. Furthermore, it lays down clear pathways for continuous
capacity development, formal certification, and civil service eligibility, transforming their service into
a recognized and respected profession.

‘The passage of this Act represents a strategic investment with significant returns, far outweighing its
financial outlay. For BHWs, it promises enhanced dignity, improved morale, financial stability, and
tangible opportunities for professional growth, thereby fostering a more committed and competent
workforce. For communities, the benefits are profound: improved access to quality primary
healthcare, better health outcomes, reduced health disparities, and a more resilient public health
system capable of responding effectively to everyday needs and public health emergencies. For the
government, it means a more efficient and effective delivery of health services, a stronger foundation
for universal healthcare, and accelerated progress towards national and international health targets,
including the Sustainable Development Goals. This bill is not merely an expenditure; it is an
investment in human capital and the collective well-being of the Filipino nation.

In light of their indispensable contributions to public health and the pressing need to address theit
long-standing vulnerabilities, the immediate passage of the "Magna Carta for Barangay Health
Workers Act” is imperative. This measure is a testament to our collective commitment to social
justice and the right to health for all Filipinos. By recognizing, empowering, and protecting our
Barangay Health Workers, we are not only honoring their selfless service but also building a
healthier, more equitable, and more resilient nation for generations to come.

In view of the foregoing, support for the enactment of this measure is earnestly sought.

REP. GI E. VELOSO
Malasakit@Bd¥anihan Partylist


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

‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2471

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative GIRLIE E. VELOSO

AN ACT INSTITUTING A MAGNA CARTA FOR BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS,
DEFINING THEIR RIGHTS, DUTIES, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND WELFARE
MECHANISMS, AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled
ARTICLE I — GENERAL PROVISIONS

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

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is the policy of the State to recognize,
institutionalize, and strengthen the role of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as vital partners in the
delivery of primary health care and community health services. The State shall ensure that BHWs are
properly accredited, adequately supported, fairly compensated, and protected in the performance of
their duties.

‘The State affirms its commitment to:

(@) Provide equitable access to quality health services in all communities, particularly in low-
income, underserved, and geographically isolated areas, by enabling the effective
deployment and capacity-building of BHWs.

(b) Establish a standardized and transparent system of accreditation, monitoring, and
support for BHWs nationwide, to promote professionalism, accountability, and sustained
community impact.


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(© Ensure the provision of just compensation, social protection, and appropriate incentives
for BHWs, recognizing their voluntary service and essential contributions to public
health,

(@ Foster cooperation among national government agencies, local government units
(LGUs), and community stakeholders to sustain the BHW program as a cornerstone of
the country’s primary health care system.

(©) Uphold the political neutrality and security of tenure of BHWs, protecting them from
partisan influence and arbitrary dismissal.

‘Through these measures, the State aims to empower BHWs to serve with dignity,
competence, and commitment, thereby advancing the health and well-being of all Filipino
communities.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act:

(a) Barangay Health Worker (BHW) refers to a trained, accredited, and actively serving
volunteer health worker who provides primary health, nutrition, and related services in
the community under the supervision of the rural health unit or health office of the local
government. BHWs must be registered in the official BHW Registry maintained by the
LGU and verified by the DOH.

(b) BHW Deployment Subsidy refers to financial assistance granted to low-income
municipalities to support the deployment and operational needs of volunteer BHWs,
particularly in unserved or underserved areas.

(© Low-Income Municipalities refer to third to sixth class municipalities, as classified by the
Department of Finance based on income standards.

@ Honorarium refers to a monetary compensation provided to volunteer BHWs in
recognition of their services, distinct from salaries or wages, and subject to the availability
of fands and applicable budgeting rules.

(©) Training and Accreditation refers to the process and standards set by the DOH and
DILG to ensure BHWs possess the necessary competencies to deliver health services
effectively and safely in their assigned communities.

() BHW Registry refers to the official list maintained by each LGU, in coordination with
the DOH, identifying currently serving and accredited BHWs cligible for benefits,
training, and government support under this Act.

SECTION 4. Scope and Coverage. — This Act shall apply to all duly accredited BHWs
providing primary health care, health education, and community mobilization services at the
barangay level, regardless of employment status or local funding source. The rights, benefits, and
protections herein shall be granted only to BHWs who are officially accredited under Section 6 and
recorded in the National Registry established under Section 5 of this Act.


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‘This Act shall also apply to all government entities involved in the administration, funding,
tion, and support of the ., in but not limited to:
.d support of the BHW program, including

(a) Barangay Councils and Barangay Health Boards

(b) Municipal and City Health Offices

(©) Provincial Health Offices

(@) Local Government Units (LGUs) at the barangay, municipal, city, and provincial levels
(© The Department of Health (DOH)

(f The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

(®) The Department of Budget and Management (DBM)

(h) The Civil Service Commission (CSC)

@) The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

Barangays, in coordination with their respective LGUs and local health offices, shall serve as,
the immediate support and deployment units of BHWs and are mandated to implement the
provisions of this Act in their jurisdictions.

ARTICLE II — ACCREDITATION, ELIGIBILITY, AND APPOINTMENT

SECTION 5. National Digital Registry. — To ensure accurate, timely, and
comprehensive data management for BHWs nationwide, the DOH, in coordination with the DILG
and relevant agencies, shall establish and maintain a centralized digital system comprising the
National Registry of Accredited BHW Registry as part of the broader National BHW Information
System. This system shall support policy formulation, program implementation, benefits
administration, and effective monitoring of BHW deployment and performance.

SECTION 5-A. National Registry of Accredited Barangay Health Workers (BHW
Registry). — There is hercby established the National Registry of Accredited Barangay Health
Workers, which shall serve as the official and authoritative database of all duly accredited BHWs
nationwide. The BHW Registry shall include, at minimum, the full name, barangay assignment,
accreditation date, training credentials, and current accreditation status of each BHW. Only those
whose names appear in the Registry shall be entitled to the rights, benefits, and protections provided
under this Act.

SECTION 5-B. National BHW Information System. — ‘There is hereby established the
National BHW Information System, which shall be a comprehensive data platform integrating the
BHW Registry with additional socio-demographic profiles, deployment records, qualifications,
service history, and other pertinent information on all BHWs at the barangay, municipal, city, and
provincial levels. The DOH, in partnership with the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT), shall develop and maintain this System to provide real-time
data for national and local government planning and program management.


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SECTION 5-C. Local Sub-Registries and Data Management. — There is hereby
established a requirement for each barangay to maintain a Local Sub-Registry of both probationary
and accredited BHWs. Barangays shall submit quarterly updates to their respective Municipal ot City
Health Offices, which shall consolidate and forward such data to the DOH Regional Office for
integration into the National BHW Information System.

SECTION 5-D. Roles and Responsibilities. — The Municipal and City Health Boards
are hereby tasked with the registration, validation, and continuous updating of BHW records within
their jurisdictions. The Provincial Health Boards, with assistance from the DOH, shall provide
training and oversight to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of data submission and proper
utilization of the Information System.

SECTION 6. Accreditation Process and Standards. — To be covered under the rights
and protections provided by this Act, a BHW must be officially accredited. Accreditation serves as
the formal recognition of a BHW’s qualifications, training, and readiness to deliver primary health
care services at the community level.

SECTION 6A. Eligibility and Selection. — Only individuals who are bona fide
residents of the barangay and have demonstrated commitment to community health work shall be
cligible for appointment as BHWs. In addition to the qualifications to be set by the municipal of city
health board, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

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

(b) Be physically and mentally fit; and

(© Have completed, within the same year of application for registration, the basic
orientation and training for BHWs as prescribed by the DOH.

Eligible applicants shall register with the local health board in the municipality or city where
they reside and intend to render service and shall be provided with appropriate proof of registration.

I shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with the provincial
health offices and the DOH, to provide interested applicants with the basic orientation and training
necessary to qualify as BHWs.

‘The Barangay Council, in coordination with the Municipal or City Health Office, shall
identify and endorse cligible candidates for probationary appointment.

SECTION 6-B. Probationary Appointment. — All newly appointed BHWs shall
undergo a probationary period of six (6) months from the date of assumption of their duties. During
this period:


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(@) They shall receive formal training and orientation conducted by the Municipal or City
Health Office, in partnership with the DOH Regional Office.

(b) They shall be listed in the Local Sub-Registry of BHWs under probation.

(©) They shall receive a provisional honorarium and be entitled to basic protections including
safe working conditions, non-discrimination, and legal assistance in case of work-related
incidents.

(@ They shall not yet be entitled to full rights and benefits such as security of tenure,
separation pay, or long-term leave entitlements.

SECTION 6-C. Accreditation Requirements. — A BHW shall be granted accreditation
upon fulfillment of any of the following pathways:

(@) Probationary Track
1. Completion of a six-month probationary period; and
2. Certification of satisfactory performance jointly issued by the Barangay Council and
the Municipal or City Health Office
(b) Alternative Track
1. Completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of DOH-recognized training; and
2. Proof of at least six (6) months of relevant experience in community-based health
service or barangay-level public health work.

SECTION 6-D. Accreditation Authority. — The authority to grant accreditation shall
depend on the pathway pursued:

(@) For the Probationary Track, accreditation shall be granted jointly by the Municipal or
City Health Office and the Batangay Council, subject to submission of the required
performance certification.

(b) For the Alternative Track, accreditation shall be granted by the Municipal or City Health
Office in coordination with the DOH Regional Office, or by a DOH-authorized training
institution, upon validation of training and relevant experience.

In alll cases, the accreditation process shall adhere to national standards but shail be
administered locally to ensure responsiveness to the specific needs of each barangay.

ARTICLE II — RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS
SECTION 7. Right to Decent Compensation. — BHWs shall have the right to fait and
decent compensation reflective of their contributions to the delivery of primary health care and the

well-being of their communities.

SECTION 7-A. Honorarium and Standard Minimum, — All BHWs, whether
probationary or accredited, shall be entitled to a regular monthly honorarium of not less than Five


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Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00), regardless of the income classification of the LGU to which they are
assigned. This amount shall serve as the bascline minimum, subject to periodic review and
adjustment in accordance with prevailing regional economic indicators, including inflation rates or
minimum wage levels, as may be determined by the DOH in consultation with the DBM. Nothing in
this provision shall preclude the grant of additional compensation or allowances by LGUs with

greater fiscal capacity.

‘The honorarium shall be disbursed monthly and shall be funded jointly by the national
government and the LGU, in accordance with guidelines to be issued by the DBM, the DILG, and
the DOH. LGUs shall be responsible for timely disbursement, while the national government shall
provide automatic counterpart funding through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

SECTION 7-B. Annual Review and Adjustment. — The standard minimum
honorarium shall be subject to an annual review and adjustment based on prevailing economic
indicators, including but not limited to inflation rates, cost-of-living differentials, and wage
benchmarks for comparable community-based service workers. The adjustment shall be
recommended by the DOH, in consultation with the DBM, the Philippine Statistics Authority
(PSA), and relevant BHW associations, and shall be issued through a joint administrative order.

SECTION 7-C. Provincial, Urban, or Rural Differentiation. — In recognition of
varying economic and operational conditions across the country, a tiered compensation structure
may be adopted to reflect the differences in cost of living and geographical hardship. BHWs
assigned to highly urbanized cities or geographically isolated and disadvantaged arcas (GIDAs) may
be entitled to additional compensation or location-specific incentives, as may be determined by the
DOH and the DBM, in coordination with the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA) and the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC). However, no BHW shalll receive less
than the standard minimum provided under this Act.

SECTION 8. Right to Security of Tenure. — BHWs shall be protected from arbitrary
dismissal and afforded security of tenure based on merit, service, and adherence to public health
standards.

SECTION 8-A. Prohibition on Political Replacement. —- No BHW shall be removed,
replaced, of reassigned solely on the basis of political affiliation, change in local leadership, or other
partisan considerations. Tenure shall be based on merit, performance, and community service needs,

SECTION 8-B. Basis for Regular Appointment. — A BHW shall be deemed regularly
appointed upon accreditation. Accreditation may be granted through either of the following
pathways:

(@) Completion of a six-month probationary period followed by inclusion in the National
Registry of Accredited BHWs; or


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(©) Completion of the application process, upon assessment of at least sixteen (16) hours of
DOH-tecognized training and a minimum of six (6) months of relevant experience, as
certified by the Barangay Council and the Municipal ot City Health Office.

Regular appointment shall entitle the BHW to the rights, benefits, and protections under this,
Act.

SECTION 8-C. Grounds and Process for Removal. — No BHW shall be removed
except for just cause, which may include:

(@) Gross misconduct, repeated neglect of duty, or serious violation of DOH protocols;
(©) Falsification of health records or misuse of community health resources;
(©) Any act deemed detrimental to public health, safety, ot ethical standards.

The removal process shall observe the principles of due process, including:

1. A written notice stating the grounds for removal;

2. A reasonable opportunity to respond in writing or in person;

3. A formal review and recommendation by the Municipal or City Health Officer in
consultation with the Barangay Council

Decisions may be appealed to the City or Provincial Health Board.

SECTION 9. Right to Social Protection. — All BHWs shall be entitled to social
protection benefits, in recognition of the nature and risks of their work. The following entitlements
shall be provided, facilitated, or made accessible by the LGU and relevant agencies:

(@ PhilHealth. All accredited BHWs shall be mandatorily enrolled in the National Health
Insurance Program of PhilHealth, with premiums jointly funded by the national
government and the LGU, in accordance with guidelines to be issued.

(b) Pag-IBIG. Alll accredited BHWs shall be registered members of the Pag-IBIG Fund.
LGUs are encouraged to provide employer counterparts to enable full access to Pag-
TBIG benefits including housing and savings programs.

(© Choice to Enroll in SSS. BHWs shall have the option to enroll in the Social Security
System (GSS), either as voluntary or employed members, depending on their
classification. ‘The national government and the LGU shall endeavor to shoulder or
subsidize premium contributions in accordance with existing laws and available funds.

SECTION 10. Right to Safe Working Conditions and Protection. — To ensure the
dignity, safety, and well-being of BHWs in the performance of their duties, the following rights and
safeguards shall be guaranteed:


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(2) Flexible Duty Hours and Leave Privileges. BHWs shall not be required to render full-
time or fixed 8-to-5 duty hours, in recognition of the voluntary and honorarium-based
nature of their service. They shall instead observe a flexible, task-based work schedule
based on community needs and barangay health programs. This may include
participation in field activities such as household visits, monitoring of pregnant women
and children, health education campaigns, and barangay health center duty for limited
hours. They shall likewise be entitled to duty-free days and leave privileges as may be
determined by the LGU, without affecting their honorarium.

(©) Health and Safety Geat. BHWs shall be provided with necessary protective equipment
such as uniforms, identification, and personal protective gear appropriate to the nature of
their tasks.

(© Medical Risk Protection. Any medical expenses incurred as a result of illness ot injury
sustained in the line of duty shall be shouldered or reimbursed by the LGU, subject to
validation and applicable guidelines. Admission to a hospital or the use of such medical
benefits shall not prejudice or interrupt the continued grant of the BHW’s honorarium
and benefits during the period of treatment or recovery.

(@ Death in the Line of Duty. In the unfortunate event that a BHW dies in the line of duty,
the BHW’s next of kin shall receive funeral or burial assistance of at least ‘Ten Thousand
Pesos (P10,000.00), separate from any other cash aid. If the deceased is assessed as
indigent, a one-time survivorship grant of the same amount shall also be provided. These
shall be sourced in the following general order, unless otherwise agreed by the agencies
concerned:

1. Local government funds or relevant programs such as the Local Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF) or Gender and Development (GAD)
Fund;

2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development's Assistance to Individuals in
Crisis Situations (AICS) or equivalent programs; ot

3. Other national government programs or special local assistance funds.

‘This shall be in addition to any claims under existing health or insurance programs. ‘The

CSC, DILG, and DOH shall jointly issue guidelines for uniform recognition and

documentation of death in the line of duty for BHWs.

(©) Freedom from Discrimination and Harassment. BHWs shall be protected from all forms
of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or abuse in the performance of their duties.
They shall not be subjected to unfair treatment on the basis of age, sex, gender identity,
civil status, political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, health condition, or union or federation
membership. LGUs shall establish grievance mechanisms and protective protocols to
ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive working environment for all BHWs.

SECTION 11. Right to Hazard and Emergency Duty Pay. — BHWs who are required

to render services during emergency situations, public health crises, natural calamities, or exposure to
health and safety risks shall be entitled to hazard pay and emergency duty pay in accordance with
existing laws, civil service rules, and relevant government issuances.

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(@) Local Government Obligation. The LGU, in coordination with the DOH, shall ensure
the timely computation and release of such compensation, subject to the availability of
local funds and applicable guidelines,

(®) National Government Support During Declared Calamities or Epidemics. In cases where
& state of calamity, public health emergency, or epidemic is officially declared by
competent authority, the national government shall mobilize financial assistance to
augment the LGU’s capacity to grant hazard and emergency duty pay to BHWs who
rendered frontline services.

SECTION 12. Right to Training, Certification, and Capacity Development. — All
BHWs shall be entitled to structured, accessible, and continuous leaming opportunities to improve
their competencies and ensure alignment with national health goals.

SECTION 12-A. Mandatory Continuing Training. — ‘The DOH, in coordination with
the DILG, the TESDA, and LGUs, shall provide regular capacity-building programs and continuing
education for BHWs. These may include basic and advanced health modules, updates on health
Protocols, and skills-based training aligned with evolving community health needs.

SECTION 12-B. Certification Pathways and Career Recognition. — BHW shall have
access to formal certification pathways, particularly the Barangay Health Services NC II under
TESDA, which recognizes accumulated training and experience. Completion of the NC II program
shall entitle the BHW to:

@ A nationally recognized credential valid for five (5) years;

(b) Eligibility for inclusion in official LGU rosters and registries of skilled health service
workers; and

(© Potential consideration for higher honoraria, formal designation (eg. health aide, nussing
aide, or community health worker), or employment opportunities in LGU-run of
affiliated health facilities, subject to local policies and availability of plantilla or
contractual positions.

(@ Their accumulated training and field experience as a BHW may, subject to the policies of
TESDA or higher education institutions, be credited toward ladderized training or
academic programs in health-related fields. This shall ‘not substitute formal education
requirements for regulated professions such as nursing or midwifery, but may serve as
pteparatory pathways for such careers.

SECTION 12-C. Civil Service Eligibility Support.. — In recognition of their frontline
contributions, BHWs who have rendered at least five (5) years of accredited service and obtained the
Barangay Health Services NC II shall be entitled to apply for the Barangay Health Worker Eligibility
(BHWE) under Republic Act No. 7883.


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‘The CSC, in coordination with the DOH and DILG, shall ensure that the BHWE is properly
implemented and recognized across all government levels, and aligned with ladderized careet
pathways that allow BHWs to qualify for and transition into higher-level public health and civil
service positions.

Clear and consistent guidelines shall be issued to ensure the BHWE serves not only as
eligibility for community-based roles, but also as a stepping stone toward long-term government
employment, health scholarships, and professional development.

SECTION 12-D. Preferential Access to Scholarships and LGU Employment. —
BHWs who have obtained the Barangay Health Services NC II and rendered at least two (2) years of
accredited service shall be granted preferential access to government-funded scholarships, subsidies,
or grants for further studies in health or allied fields, including but not limited to ladderized

programs.

LGUs shall give hiring priority to certified BHWs for plantilla or contract-based positions in
public health programs, subject to civil service rules and availability of positions.

SECTION 12-E. Service Record and Awards System. — The DOH, in coordination
with the DILG and concerned LGUs, shall establish and maintain a centralized service record
system for all accredited BHWs. The system shall document each BHW’s years of service, trainings
completed, recognitions received, and other relevant accomplishments.

An annual Awards and Recognition Program shall be institutionalized at the municipal,
provincial, regional, and national levels to honor outstanding BHWs for exemplary service,
innovation, leadership, or long-term commitment to community health.

ARTICLE IV — DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SECTION 13. Core Duties and Responsibilities. — BHWs shall serve as frontliners in
the delivery of community-based health services, in coordination with the Rural Health Unit and the
LGU. Their core responsibilities shall include the following:

(@) Conduct of household visits and monitoring of maternal, child, elderly, and vulnerable
population health;

(b) Provision of basic health education and advocacy in the community;

(© Support in the implementation of national and local health programs, including
immunization, nutrition, sanitation, and disease prevention;

(@) Assistance in the referral of patients to higher-level health facilities and in follow-up care,
under the supervision of the RHU or designated health professionals; and

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(©) Participation in health campaigns, emergency response, special public health initiatives,
and coordinated efforts with Barangay Health Emergency Response ‘Teams (BHERTS),
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), and other allied community health workers.

Alll clinical or programmatic functions that may affect patient care ot health outcomes shall
be carried out under the supervision or guidance of the Rural Health Unit or other designated health
professionals, in accordance with existing laws and DOH guidelines.

SECTION 13-A. Reporting Schedule. — In line with the core functions enumerated in
Section 13, BHWs shall render service based on scheduled program activities and actual health needs
within the barangay. Given the community-embedded nature of their work, they shall not be
required to observe a fixed daily time-in/time-out schedule. Reporting shall instead be tied to the
performance of their assigned duties, including but not limited to:

(2) Monitoring of priority populations (c.g., pregnant women, children, PWDs, seniors);

(©) Conducting community health education and barangay health assemblies;

(©) Weekly duty at the barangay health station;

(@) Attendance in trainings, capacity-building sessions, and health meetings;

(©) Participation in vaccination drives, health missions, and emergency response operations.

SECTION 13-B, Standard Workload. — Consistent with their activity-based schedule,
BHWs shall typically render service for two (2) to four (4) hours per day, for a total of not more
than twenty-four (24) hours per week or one bundred (100) houts pet month, unless otherwise
authorized in writing by the LGU or supervising health authority due to public health exigencies.

Workload shall be determined by:

(a) The barangay’s population size and geographic conditions;
(b) The number of assigned households ot focus groups;
(©) The presence of ongoing health programs, campaigns, or emergencies.

BHWs shall alternate between clinic-based duties and fieldwork or houschold visits, as
guided by actual community needs. Adjustments shall be coordinated with and supervised by the
appropriate local health authority.

SECTION 14. Ethical Standards and Community Conduct. — BHWs serve as trusted
agents of public health in the community. As such, they shall uphold the highest standards of
personal integrity, cultural sensitivity, and ethical conduct in the performance of their duties.

(@) Non-Discrimination. BHWs shall provide health-related services to all persons in the
community without bias, favoritism, or discrimination on the basis of age, gender,


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religion, political affiliation, disability, ethnicity, health status, or socioeconomic
condition.

(b) Confidentiality. All information obtained in the course of their duties, including health
conditions, household circumstances, and personal data, shall be treated with strict
confidentiality and used only for official purposes. BHWs shall not disclose ot misuse
such information in any manner that could cause harm or embarrassment to individuals
or families.

© Respectful Engagement. BHWs shall treat all members of the community with dignity,
Patience, and respect, especially in sensitive or emotionally charged situations. They are
expected to embody the spirit of malasakit, compassion, and cultural humility

(@ Professional Conduct. BHWs shall avoid engaging in behavior that undermines the
credibility of the public health system or the trust of the community. This includes
spreading misinformation, soliciting personal favors, or using their position for political
or financial gain.

(©) Accountability. BHWs are accountable to their assigned health personnel and to the
community they serve. Any violation of ethical standards may be subject to investigation
and appropriate administrative action, as determined by the local health board or LGU in
consultation with the BHW Federation, if established.

SECTION 15. Accountability and Sanctions. — BHWs shall uphold the highest
standards of integrity, professionalism, and community service. As government-deployed personnel,
they are expected to observe ethical conduct, fulfill their assigned duties, and act in accordance with
the law and public health protocols. Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in
administrative or disciplinary action, subject to due process and applicable civil service rules.
Grounds for sanctions may include, but are not limited to:

(a) Negligence in the performance of assigned tasks or willful disregard of health protocols;

(b) Unauthorized disclosure of confidential patient information;

(© Engaging in discriminatory, exploitative, or abusive conduct toward any member of the
community;

(@ Providing false, misleading, or incomplete health data or reports;

(©) Misuse of government resources, health supplies, or privileges granted under this Act.

Disciplinary procedures shall be conducted by the appropriate local health authority of the
LGU, in coordination with the DOH and pursuant to relevant administrative guidelines. Nothing in
this provision shall prevent affected parties from pursuing civil, ctiminal, or other legal remedies
under existing laws.
ARTICLE V — ROLES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

SECTION 16. Role of the DOH. — ‘The DOH shall lead in the accteditation of BHWs
and shall develop standardized training programs, service protocols, and operational guidelines. It

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shall also conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of BHW performance, in coordination with
LGUs.

SECTION 17. Role of the DILG. — The DILG shall oversee LGU compliance with this
Act and promote political neutrality in the selection, retention, and deployment of BHWs. It shall
ensure that BHW programs are aligned with local governance frameworks.

SECTION 18, Role of the CSC. — The CSC shall formulate eligibility standards and
establish career development pathways for qualified BHWs, including the recognition of relevant
experience for future entry into public service.

SECTION 19. Role of LGUs. — LGUs shall be responsible for the deployment,
supervision, and support of BHWs, including the provision of honoraria, allowances, and logistical
resources. Co-funding arrangements with national agencies and programs shall be pursued to ensure
sustainability.

SECTION 20. Role of Barangay Health Boards. — Barangay Health Boards shall ensure
the active integration of BHWs in barangay development plans and health programs. They shall
serve as the primary venue for coordination, consultation, and grievance redress related to BHW.
service delivery at the community level.

ARTICLE VI — FUNDING AND IMPLEMENTATION MECHANISMS

SECTION 21. BHW Deployment Subsidy for Low-Income Municipalities. — To
ensure equitable access to community health services across the country, there is hereby established
a BHW Deployment Subsidy, to be allocated as an Equalization Fund for 3% to 6” class
municipalities. The Fund shall provide financial assistance to qualified municipalities to enable the
deployment of a sufficient number of volunteer BHWs, especially in unserved and underserved
areas, and to support the provision of regular and meaningful incentives for their work.

Priority shall be given to municipalities with limited fiscal capacity, high disease burden, or
those classified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS), and to LGUs with no
or limited capacity to provide monthly honoraria or other BHW incentives, as determined by the
DOH and the DILG.

‘The Fund shall be administered by the DOH, in coordination with the DILG and the DBM,
and subject to national budgeting processes and audit rules.

SECTION 22. Budget Appropriations and Cost-Sharing. — The implementation of this
Act shall be financed through a shared responsibility between the national government and LGUs.

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The GAA shall annually provide a dedicated line item under the DOH for BHW training, support
services, and subsidy programs.

All LGUs shall likewise allocate counterpart funding in their respective local budgets for the
Provision of BHW honoraria, incentives, and logistics, in accordance with fiscal capacity and
national-local co-funding guidelines to be jointly issued by the DOH, DILG, and DBM.

SECTION 23. Disbursement, Audit, and Transparency Mechanisms. — All funds
disbursed for the benefit of BHWs, including honoratia, benefits, training, and operational support,
shall be subject to standard government accounting and auditing rules and reviewed by the
Commission on Audit (COA). The DOH shall regularly publish national-level utilization reports,
LGUs, for their part, shall maintain a Local BHW Registry that includes publicly accessible
summaries of fund releases, disbursement history, and performance metrics, in keeping with
Principles of transparency, participatory governance, and citizen oversight.

SECTION 24. Monitoring and Performance-Based Incentives. — To encourage
consistent and quality service, BHWs may be granted performance-based incentives, subject to
availability of funds and based on clearly defined criteria to be determined by the Implementing
Rules and Regulations.

‘The DOH, in coordination with the DILG and LGUs, shall develop basic monitoring tools
and performance benchmarks such as attendance, reporting compliance, and service coverage.
Incentives may include modest service awards, additional allowances, or access to training
opportunities, and shall be prioritized for BHWs in underserved or high-need areas, as determined
through LGU submissions and DOH validation.

ARTICLE VII — FINAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 25. Annual Accomplishment Reports. — The DOH and the DILG shall
submit to the Office of the President, the Senate of the Philippines and the House of
Representatives an annual report on the accomplishments and challenges with regard the
implementation of this Act.

SECTION 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within one hundred eighty
(180) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DOH, in coordination with the DILG, the CSC, the
DBM, and relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
necessaty to carry out the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 27. Appropriations. — The implementation of this Act shall be funded jointly
from the annual appropriations of the DOH, as provided under the General Appropriations Act

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(GAA), and from the regular budgets of LGUs, in accordance with the devolution of primary health
services.

As part of this joint funding framework, the BHW Deployment Subsidy shall be initially
funded through a specific line item under the DOH budget. Succeeding appropriations shall be
Provided annually through the GAA. LGUs ate likewise mandated to allocate counterpart funds
from their local budgets, particularly for the provision of honoraria, training expenses, and
operational support for BHWs within their jurisdictions.

SECTION 28. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act ate hereby repealed ot
modified accordingly.

SECTION 29. Separability Clause. — If, for any reason, any section of this Act shall be
deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or Provisions shall not be affected and shall
remain in force and in effect.

SECTION 30. Effectivity Clause. — ‘This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days from.

its publication in the Offical Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved.