Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Through this bill, the State avows to provide indigenous Filipino communities with basic 
medical services and healthcare that is in harmony with their traditional and religious 
practices and beliefs.  
This measure proposes the delegation of health workers in tribal communities within ten 
(10) kilometers of a barangay center. These health workers, referred to as tribal health
workers (THW) must have undergone health care training by either government or non-
governmental organizations for they will be tasked to provide primary health care to the
members of the tribes. He/she is also responsible for assisting, if needed, sick person/s
to the nearest clinic or hospital. Since primary health care may use herbal medicines
that are traditional to the tribe, the THW is mandated to establish an herbal garden in
the community.
Our country takes pride in its diverse and colorful population. It honors every indigenous 
group that makes up our distinct identity as a nation and endeavors that they are not left 
behind in all aspects of progress. Through this bill, we shall ensure that government 
welfare services are inclusive and responsive to all—most especially to those who need 
it the most. 
In light of the foregoing premises, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
November 10, 2022
2:54 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN CULTURAL AND 
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BY INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRAINING AND 
EMPLOYMENT OF TRIBAL HEALTH WORKERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — The Act shall be known as the “Tribal Health Workers Act”. 
SECTION 2. Statement of Policy and Objectives. — The Philippine Constitution of 
1987 provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to 
health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other 
social services available to all people at affordable cost. It is also the policy of the State 
to provide cheap and affordable quality medicine and medical services to citizens in far-
flung areas and indigenous communities. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following words and 
phrases shall be defined as: 
a)
Barangay Health Worker — RA 7883 defines barangay health workers as a
person who has undergone health care training programs in any accredited
government or 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 (DOH).
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b) 
Tribal Health Worker — refers to members of ICC have undergone health care 
training by either government or non-government organizations and renders 
voluntary health care in the tribal community. 
 
SECTION 4. Tribal Health Workers. — All tribal communities which are located about 
ten (10) kilometers from a barangay center are qualified to have tribal health workers. 
The number of families in a community will determine the number of THW in that 
community — One (1) tribal health worker for every 30 families. 
 
SECTION 5. Selection and Training of Tribal Health Workers. — The tribal Chief 
shall appoint, in accordance with the traditions of the tribe, the tribal health worker and 
submit his name to the local health board who in turn, shall register the appointed tribal 
health worker. The local health board will furnish a copy of the list of tribal workers to 
the DOH which shall maintain a national list of tribal health workers. 
 
SECTION 6. Responsibilities of tribal health workers. — The THW is responsible for 
providing primary health care to members of the tribes. He is also responsible for 
assisting, if needed, sick person/s to the nearest clinic or hospital. 
 
Since primary health care may use herbal medicines that are traditional to the tribe, the 
THW is mandated to establish an herbal garden in the community. The barangay, LGU, 
the municipal LGU and the CENRO of the DENR are hereby required to provide 
assistance to the THW in establishing such herbal garden. 
 
SECTION 7. Benefits of Tribal Health Workers. — Similar to the Barangay Health 
Workers who are provided with a number of benefits under RA 7883, the THW are 
granted the following incentives and benefits: 
a) 
Free health care insurance and hospitalization — The THW shall be provided 
with free PhilHealth Insurance. In addition, the THW shall be entitled to free 
hospitalization in case of work related sickness or injury. The Department of 
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall provide the insurance and bear 
the expenses of the hospitalization of the THW. The DWSD shall work closely 
with the local health boards in granting these benefits to the THW, particularly 
in identifying those who are entitled to such. 


b) 
Educational benefits — The TWH is entitled to free tuition in public high schools 
and universities. Should the THW not be able to avail of this incentive, he is 
allowed to transfer this benefit to any one of his/her legitimate children. This 
benefit can only be availed by active THWs. 
c) 
Continuing training — The DOH shall be responsible for providing the continuing 
training for the THW on new and emergency primary health care management 
as well as new and emerging herbal medicines. 
d) 
Free legal services — The Public Attorney's Office shall provide free legal 
advice to the THW if there are occasions that the latter needs one; provided, 
however, that the occasion arises from or in connection with the exercise of his 
duties and responsibilities as THW. 
 
SECTION 8. Rules and Regulations of this Act. — The DOH, DSWD, DILG, and 
DENR shall be responsible for the formulation of the Implementing Rules and 
Regulations of this Act which shall be formulated within one hundred eighty (180) days 
upon its approval. 
 
SECTION 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the 
remainder or any provisions of this Act is not affected thereby shall remain in force and 
in effect. 
 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, proclamations, and 
other presidential issuances which are inconsistent with this act shall be deemed 
amended or modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 11. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,