Republic of the Phulippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ---
Introduced by Representative CIRIACO B. GATO, JR., M.D., FPSO-HNS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) have long been vital to the delivery of primary health care 
services in the Philippines. As the first point of contact between government health institutions and 
the community, BHWs carry out critical responsibilities, including maternal and child health 
monitoring, immunization services, health education, disease surveillance, and emergency response. 
They perform these duties under often challenging conditions, with limited resources and minimal 
institutional support. 
The COVID-19 pandemic brought renewed visibility to the indispensable role of BHWs in 
managing community health and responding to public health crises. However, it also highlighted 
persistent issues: the lack of adequate compensation, limited access to benefits, absence of legal 
protections, and minimal opportunities for professional growth. Despite their essential role, BHW s 
remain governed by Republic Act No. 7883 which no longer reflects the current demands, 
responsibilities, and realities of their service. 
This bill seeks to provide a comprehensive, rights-based legal framework for the accreditation, 
compensation, welfare, and protection ofBHWs. Specifically, the bill: 
•
Establishes clear standards for the registration, accreditation, and training of BHWs;
•
Provides for just and regular compensation, including honoraria, hazard pay, insurance, and other
socio-economic benefits;
•
Ensures protection from unjust removal, political interference, and discrimination;
•
Facilitates access to continuing education, professional development, and career advancement in
coordination with CHED, TESDA, DepEd, and DOH;
•
Grants formal representation in local health boards and recognizes BHWs as part of the Primary
Health Care Provider Network;
•
Institutionalizes support mechanisms such as legal services, grievance redress, psychosocial
assistance, and recognition through an annual Barangay Health Workers Day.
This legislative measure affirms the State's duty under Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 
July 24, 2025
4:28 pm
2305




Republic of the Phulippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.______ 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative CIRIACO B. GATO, JR., M.D., FPSO-HNS 
_____________________________________________________________________ 
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 available to all the people. In line with the country’s commitment to 
accomplish health indicator targets under United Nations sustainable development goals, the 
State shall adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers 
who are the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and effectively harness 
their potential as partners in development. 
SEC. 3. Definition. – As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” refers to a 
person who has undergone training under any accredited government or non-government 
organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the community 
after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board. 
SEC. 4. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers (BHWs) as 
defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and benefits granted under this 
Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have undergone at least two (2) years of 
training: Provided, however, That duly registered barangay health workers shall be entitled to a 
monthly honoraria and hazard allowance as provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further, That 
when the BHW receives a fixed salary under a permanent appointment in any government office, 
by election to another public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage under this 
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Act shall automatically cease and the BHW shall be covered under applicable laws. 
 
SEC. 5. Registration. – All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board in the 
city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be given appropriate 
proof of said registration. 
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the BHW 
Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be subject to the 
approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of the 
updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health Office for consolidation and 
validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW Federation, which shall also be subject to 
the approval of the Provincial Health Board. The Provincial BHW Registry shall be posted in the 
municipal or city bulletin board and barangay health centers. 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every year to the 
Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH is 
hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs.  
 
 
In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must: 
(a) Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and satisfactorily for at 
least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the filing of application for 
registration in the barangay as recommended by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or 
public health nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay health 
workers association and certified by the Sangguniang Barangay; 
(b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as prescribed by the DOH 
and  conducted  by  an  accredited  government  agency,  or  DOH-recognized  academic 
institution, or (NGO); 
(c)  Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the application for 
registration; and, 
(d) Be physically and mentally fit. 
 
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with the 
Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation and 
training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application. 
SEC. 6. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care services rendered by the 
BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, 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 BHWs not than later thirty (30) days 
from the date of application. 
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is accessible to 
the general public. 
SEC. 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health Workers. - As one 
of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the DOH and LGUs shall support 
BHWs as they perform the following roles: 
(a) 
Advocate  -  to  support,  promote  and  champion  current  health  programs, 
projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services towards the 
improved health status of the community; 
(b) 
Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and  health 
priorities  of  LGUs  such  as  the  importance  of  a  birth  plan  and  facility-based 
delivery in reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn screening for the 
early  detection  of  congenital  metabolic  disorders  which  may  leads  to  mental 
retardation and even death, among others; 
(c) 
Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local professional 
health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to the 
community  and  inform  the  same  to  the  community  for  appropriate  action,  if 
necessary; 
(d) 
Linker - to facilitate access to any group or association of the community with 
a relevant network of or specific health and non-health service providers; 
(e) 
Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health activities 
and events in the community; 
(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; 
(l) Identifying people with disease and sickness; 
(m)Community health profiling; 
(n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives; 
(o) 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 
concerned, which in no case shall be less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per 
month, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations; 


(c) Subsistence Allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty, 
which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing conditions as determined by 
the LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than 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 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 programs such as traditional medicine, disaster preparedness 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; 
2) Emergency  assistance  not  exceeding  the  amount  of  five  thousand  pesos 
(P5,000.00) chargeable against the fund of the barangay concerned, for expenses 
incurred in the nearest private hospital or clinic in case of extreme emergency 
where there is no available public hospital; 
3) Mandatory and immediate membership in the Philippine Health Insurance 
Corporation (Philhealth) as indirect contributors. 
 (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 
mínimum 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; 
 (l) Disability Benefit – An accredited BHW who sustains injury or sickness in the course 
of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) 
for every year of service; 
 
 (m) Civil Service Eligibility. – A second grade eligibility shall be granted to accredited 
BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous service as such: Provided, That, 
should a BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total numbers of years 
served as such shall be credited to the BHWs service in computing the retirement benefits; 
(n) Free Legal Services. - Legal representation and consultation services shall 
be immediately provided by the Public 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; 
 
 
 
(o) 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. 
 
Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered BHWs shall be entitled 
to monthly honorariaand 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 beliefs and ethnic groupings in the exercise 
of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited. 
SEC. 12. Protection of BHWs. - No accredited BHW shall be removed except for a valid 
cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall resolve termination cases 
against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complaint: 
Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly removed from service, the BHW shall be entitled 
to reinstatement without loss of benefits and incentives from the time of termination up to the 
time of reinstatement. 
SEC. 13. Grievance Mechanism. – The LHB shall establish a grievance mechanism as a 
means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of discrimination and unjust 
removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the LHB shall be final and executory. 
 
SEC. 14. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of BHWs. – 
There shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing the 
municipal, city, provincial, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, articulate, and 
crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and with utmost regard to service to 
patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the interest of public 
health, safety, or survival of patients. 
 
 
The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their respective 
local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to comprise the national board 
of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-General shall be chosen from among the 
national federation members to manage the day-to-day operation and activities of the federation. 
The respective boards of directors may create such other positions as may be necessary for the 
management of the affairs of the local and national federation. 
SEC. 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care Provider 
Network. – The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs shall be a member of the 


municipal or city local health board. The respectivepresidents 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 DOH 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 unitsshall 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 tan 
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,