1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2891 
Introduced by Representative JESUS R. MARQUEZ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to grant fair and reasonable set of incentives and benefits to 
barangay health workers (BHWs), in recognition of their time, service, and dedication in 
delivering essential health services. Most especially during the height of the COVID-19 
pandemic, when their role proved indispensable to communities in need.  
This proposed measure was approved on Third and Final Reading in the House of 
Representatives but was ultimately shelved in the 19th Congress due to lack of material 
time. It had the strong support of 142 principal authors, reflecting broad consensus on 
the need to uplift the welfare of Barangay Health Workers. The refiling of this bill 
reaffirms our commitment to giving due recognition to our BHWs and to providing them 
with the hope and support they rightfully deserve. 
BHWs are volunteer community health workers who play a vital role in health 
promotion, disease prevention, and the delivery of primary healthcare services at the 
grassroots level. Following the 1978 Alma Ata Conference, which emphasized the 
importance of strengthening local health systems, the BHW program was 
institutionalized to serve as the first point of contact for patients within the broader 
healthcare network. This mandate aligns with the implementation of the Local 
Government Code of 1991, which empowered local government units (LGUs) to address 
the unique needs of their localities. As members of their respective barangays, BHWs are 
expected to understand, respond to, and advocate for the health needs of their 
communities. 
Typically, BHWs undergo training through accredited government or non-
government organizations and voluntarily render health services upon accreditation by 
the local health board. They then serve as advocates, educators, health information 
disseminators, and first aid responders. They have contributed significantly to improved 
child nutrition outcomes and maternal healthcare, particularly in the postpartum period.1 
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, their role further evolved as they became 
integral members of the Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams, conducting 
contact tracing and monitoring individuals under quarantine. 
1Baliola M, Golpe M, Advincula-Lopez LV. Gains and Challenges of the Barangay Health Worker (BHW) Program 
during COVID-19 in Selected Cities in the Philippines. J Health Res. 2024; 38(1):-. DOI: 
https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1060   
August 4, 2025
10:34 am


2 
Yet, despite their consistent and wide-ranging contributions to community health, 
BHWs continue to face a lack of institutional support. Many of them work without proper 
compensation, job security, or access to health and social protection benefits. They also 
do not have “retirement” packages after having served the community, given the 
volunteer nature of their work. This situation not only places them in a vulnerable 
position but also undermines the long-term sustainability of grassroots health initiatives. 
By recognizing their contributions and addressing their long-standing concerns, 
we reinforce our commitment to achieving universal health care and a more resilient, 
community-based health system for all Filipinos.  
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this proposed measure is 
earnestly sought.  
HON. JESUS “Jess” R. MARQUEZ 


3 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2891 
Introduced by Representative JESUS R. MARQUEZ 
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 
1 
Barangay Health Workers". 
2 
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
4 
protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated and 
5 
comprehensive approach to health development, and pursuant thereto, it shall endeavor 
6 
to make essential goods, healthcare and other social services available to all the people. 
7 
In line with the country’s commitment to accomplish health indicator targets under 
8 
United Nations sustainable development goals, the    State shall adopt policies that 
9 
promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers    who are the forefront 
10 
of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and effectively harness their potential 
11 
as partners in development.  
12 
13 
SEC. 3. Definition. – As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” 
14 
refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited government or non-
15 
government organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare 
16 
services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local 
17 
health board. 
18 
19 
SEC. 4. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers (BHWs) 
20 
as  defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all  incentives and benefits granted 
21 
under this  Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have undergone at least 
22 
two (2) years of training: Provided, however, That duly registered barangay health 
23 
workers shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria and hazard allowance as provided in Sec. 
24 
9 herein: Provided, further, That when the BHW receives a fixed salary under a 
25 
permanent appointment in any government office, by election to another public office or 
26 
by employment in the private sector, coverage under this Act shall automatically cease 
27 
and the BHW shall be covered under applicable laws. 
28 


4 
 
 
 
 
 
1 
SEC. 5.  Registration. – All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board 
2 
in the city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be given 
3 
appropriate proof of said registration.  
4 
 
5 
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the BHW    
6 
Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be subject 
7 
to the approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit 
8 
a copy of the updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health Office for 
9 
consolidation and  validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW Federation, 
10 
which shall also be subject to  the approval of the Provincial Health Board. The Provincial 
11 
BHW Registry shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin board and barangay health 
12 
centers.  
13 
 
14 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every year 
15 
to the Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for consolidation. 
16 
The DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs. 
17 
In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must:  
18 
(a) Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and 
19 
satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date of the filing 
20 
of application for registration in the barangay as recommended by the Rural Health 
21 
Midwife (RHM) or  public health nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head 
22 
of the barangay health workers association and certified by the Sangguniang 
23 
Barangay; 
24 
(b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as prescribed 
25 
by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government agency, or DOH-
26 
recognized academic     institution, or (NGO); 
27 
(c) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the 
28 
application for registration; and, 
29 
(d) Be physically and mentally fit. 
30 
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with the 
31 
Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation and 
32 
training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application. 
33 
 
SEC. 6. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care services 
34 
rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly 
35 
registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board. 
36 
The municipal or city health board shall issue a certificate of accreditation to 
37 
qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must: 
38 
(a) 
Be registered in accordance with Section 5 hereof;  
39 
(b) 
Have satisfactorily undertaken the role of a BHW in the locality as 
40 
provided for in      Section 7 hereof, for at least two (2) years of continuous and 
41 
satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for accreditation; 
42 
(c) 
Have completed a regular training program on health care service 
43 
and community-based health program in order to upgrade and develop the skills 
44 


5 
 
 
 
 
and competency required of a BHW. The training program shall be institutionalized 
1 
by the DOH, in cooperation with local government units (LGUs). 
2 
It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in 
3 
cooperation with the provincial government and DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs 
4 
the necessary support and opportunities for accreditation.  
5 
A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and     
6 
community-based health program within five (5) years from registration. 
7 
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and accreditation 
8 
committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not than later thirty 
9 
(30) days from the date of application.  
10 
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is 
11 
accessible to the general public. 
12 
 
SEC. 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health 
13 
Workers. - As one of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the 
14 
DOH and LGUs shall support BHWs as they perform the following roles: 
15 
(a) Advocate - to support, promote and champion current health programs,         
16 
projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services towards the        
17 
improved health status of the community; 
18 
(b) Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and  
19 
health priorities of LGUs such as the importance of a birth plan and facility-based                   
20 
delivery in reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn screening for the                         
21 
early detection of congenital metabolic disorders which may leads to mental          
22 
retardation and even death, among others; 
23 
(c) Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local professional        
24 
health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to the                 
25 
community and inform the same to the community for appropriate action, if            
26 
necessary; 
27 
(d) Linker - to facilitate access to any group or association of the community 
28 
with            a relevant network of or specific health and non-health service providers;  
29 
(e) Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health 
30 
activities and events in the community;  
31 
(f) Health Care Service Provider – to assist and provide basic health care 
32 
services as may be needed in the community in any health event. 
33 
The BHW shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: 
34 
 
35 
(a)  
Height and weight monitoring, and reporting the same to the 
36 
barangay; 
37 
(b) 
Monitoring and following up of defaulted cases of immunization, 
38 
family planning, tuberculosis compliance to treatment and others, and reporting 
39 
the same to the barangay; 
40 
(c) 
Reporting to the barangay any incidence of disease or any health 
41 
cases in the community;  
42 


6 
 
 
 
 
(d) 
Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate 
1 
in barangay health center activities; 
2 
(e) 
Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community; 
3 
(f) 
Administering first aid; 
4 
(g) 
Conducting health visits;  
5 
(h) 
Conducting birth planning for pregnant women; 
6 
(i) 
Conducting health education; 
7 
(j) 
Strengthening referral systems; 
8 
(k) 
Collecting sputum; 
9 
(l) 
Identifying people with disease and sickness; 
10 
(m) 
Community health profiling; 
11 
(n) 
Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives; 
12 
(o) 
Responding in natural calamities and disasters; and 
13 
(p) 
Coordinating closely with the local government health officer in the 
14 
implementation of health programs in the locality. 
15 
 
SEC. 8.  Number of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). – Subject to 
16 
relevant laws, and in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective local 
17 
government units, the number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by and based 
18 
on the particular need of the barangay for BHW services.  
19 
 
The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the number 
20 
of households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers nationwide 
21 
shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.  
22 
 
The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of 
23 
BHWs. 
24 
 
25 
SEC. 9. Incentives and Benefits. - All accredited BHWs who are actively and 
26 
regularly performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the following 
27 
incentives and benefits: 
28 
(a) Monthly Honoraria in the amount of not less than Three thousand pesos 
29 
(P3,000.00), subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value; 
30 
 
(b) Hazard Allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board of 
31 
LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than One thousand pesos 
32 
(P1,000.00) per month, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations; 
33 
 
(c) Subsistence Allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their 
34 
duty, which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing  conditions as 
35 
determined by the LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than One 
36 
hundred pesos (P100.00) per day: Provided, That the accredited BHW shall 
37 
render service within the premises of isolated barangay health stations in order 
38 
to make it available at any and all times; 
39 
 
(d) Transportation Allowance of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) 
40 
per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations, on the condition that the 
41 


7 
 
 
 
 
availment of transportation services are in line with the performance of the 
1 
BHW’s official    duties and responsibilities; 
2 
 
(e) One-time Gratuity Cash Incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos 
3 
(P10,000.00)  in recognition of the BHW’s loyalty and dedication and for 
4 
having continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years; 
5 
 
(f) Discount Privileges for BHWs. – All BHWs shall be entitled to twenty percent 
6 
(20%) discount on all the items enumerated under Section 4(a) of Republic 
7 
Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010: 
8 
Provided, That the privileges shall not be claimed if the BHW is eligible for a 
9 
higher discount as may be granted by the commercial establishment and/or 
10 
other existing laws. 
11 
 
The commercial establishment may claim the discount granted under this 
12 
section as tax deduction based on the cost of goods sold or services rendered: 
13 
Provided, That    the discount shall be allowed as deduction from the gross 
14 
income for the same     taxable year that the discount is granted: Provided 
15 
further, That the total amount of  the claimed tax deduction net of VAT, if 
16 
applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipt for tax purposes and 
17 
shall be subject to proper documentation and to the provisions of the National 
18 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
19 
 
(g) Training, Education, and Career Enrichment Programs. - The DOH shall, in 
20 
coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on 
21 
Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development 
22 
Authority (TESDA), DOH-recognized academic institutions, other concerned 
23 
agencies and    non-government organizations, provide information on and 
24 
opportunities for education and career enrichment for accredited BHWs, such 
25 
as the following: 
26 
 
1) 
Educational programs which credit the years of primary health care 
27 
service of the BHW towards higher education completion in institutions 
28 
with stepladder curricula, thus allowing them to upgrade their skills and 
29 
knowledge for    community work or to pursue further training as 
30 
midwives, pharmacists, nurses      or doctors; 
31 
2) 
Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, field 
32 
immersion,  scholarships; and 
33 
3) 
Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster 
34 
preparedness and  other programs that address emergent community 
35 
health problems and issues. 
36 
 
(h) Health Benefits. – During their incumbency, all BHWs are entitled to the 
37 
following      health benefits: 
38 
 
1) Free medical care, including surgery and surgical expenses, medicines, 
39 
x-ray and other laboratory fees, when confined in any public hospital 
40 
or health institution; 
41 


8 
 
 
 
 
2) Emergency assistance not exceeding the amount of five thousand pesos 
1 
(P5,000.00) chargeable against the fund of the barangay concerned, for 
2 
expenses incurred in the nearest private hospital or clinic in case of 
3 
extreme emergency where there is no available public hospital; 
4 
3) Mandatory and immediate membership in the Philippine Health 
5 
Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) as indirect contributors. 
6 
 
(i) Insurance Coverage. - All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and benefits 
7 
from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which shall be borne by 
8 
the LGU concerned. For this purpose, the GSIS shall design an insurance benefit 
9 
package suited to the needs and status of BHWs; 
10 
 
(j) Sick and Maternity Leaves. – All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and maternity 
11 
leaves as prescribed by the Local Health Board: Provided, That, the BHWs shall 
12 
continue to     receive their monthly honoraria while on leave, for such period in 
13 
accordance with    existing laws and practices; 
14 
 
15 
(k) Cash Gift – All accredited BHWs are entitled to cash gift of not less than the 
16 
minimum monthly honoraria to be given every December from the general fund 
17 
of the barangay or from such other funds appropriated by the national 
18 
government for the purpose; 
19 
 
(l) Disability Benefit – An accredited  BHW who sustains injury or sickness in the 
20 
course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two thousand pesos 
21 
(P2,000.00) for every year of service; 
22 
 
(m) Civil Service Eligibility. – A second grade eligibility shall be granted to accredited 
23 
BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous service as such: Provided, 
24 
That, should a BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total 
25 
numbers of years served as such shall be credited to the BHWs service in 
26 
computing the retirement benefits;   
27 
 
(n) Free Legal Services. -  Legal representation and consultation services shall be    
28 
immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to an accredited BHW in 
29 
cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases filed by or 
30 
against BHWs arising out of or in connection with the performance of their duties 
31 
as such; 
32 
 
(o) Preferential Access to Loan. -  The DOH in coordination with other concerned   
33 
government agencies shall provide, within One hundred eighty (180) days after the 
34 
effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that shall provide BHWs organized access to 
35 
loan services. The agencies providing loan services will set aside one percent (1%) 
36 
of their loanable funds for organized BHW groups that have community-based 
37 
income generating projects in support of health programs or activities. 
38 
 
Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered BHWs shall be 
39 
entitled to monthly honoraria and hazard allowance.  
40 
 


9 
 
 
 
 
The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to BHWs 
1 
not otherwise provided by law. 
2 
 
SEC. 10. Annual Review. – The local health boards shall conduct an annual 
3 
review of the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives and 
4 
allowances enumerated in    the immediately preceding Section taking into consideration 
5 
the current consumer price index as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority. 
6 
  SEC. 11. Discrimination Prohibited. – Discrimination against any BHW by 
7 
reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic groupings in 
8 
the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited. 
9 
SEC. 12. Protection of BHWs. - No accredited BHW shall be removed except 
10 
for a valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall resolve 
11 
termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days from the 
12 
receipt of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly removed from 
13 
service, the BHW shall be entitled  to reinstatement without loss of benefits and incentives 
14 
from the time of termination up to the    time of reinstatement.   
15 
SEC. 13. Grievance Mechanism. – The LHB shall establish a grievance 
16 
mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of 
17 
discrimination and unjust removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the LHB 
18 
shall be final and executory. 
19 
SEC. 14. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of 
20 
BHWs. – There shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing 
21 
the municipal, city, provincial, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, 
22 
articulate, and crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and with utmost 
23 
regard to service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in 
24 
the interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients. 
25 
The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their 
26 
respective local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to comprise 
27 
the national board  of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-General shall be 
28 
chosen from among the national federation members to manage the day-to-day operation 
29 
and activities of the federation. The respective boards of directors may create such other 
30 
positions as may be necessary for the management of the affairs of the local and national 
31 
federation.  
32 
SEC. 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health 
33 
Care Provider Network. – The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs 
34 
shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The respective presidents 
35 
of the federation of BHWs of each  city and municipality federation of a province shall 
36 
elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial health board: 
37 
Provided, That the BHW representatives to the     local health boards shall not be allowed 
38 
to vote on the registration, accreditation, and disciplinary or removal complaints of 
39 
BHWs.  
40 
The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network, in the 
41 
implementation of health care services and programs. 
42 


10 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 16.  Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. - No 
1 
BHW shall    engage in any partisan political activity. 
2 
 
SEC. 17. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. - The DOH shall conduct 
3 
continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge 
4 
and skills through various forms including online learning and multimedia in major 
5 
Philippine dialects 
6 
The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, assist 
7 
the    LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the 
8 
collective    experiences and learnings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and 
9 
complementary medicine. 
10 
 
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs and 
11 
other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies 
12 
concerned. 
13 
 
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow 
14 
them to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, 
15 
otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic Act No. 
16 
10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including academic 
17 
credits for health-related courses. 
18 
 
SEC. 18. Observance of BHW Day. – Every barangay shall commemorate BHW 
19 
Day    during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of Barangay Health 
20 
Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in promoting 
21 
health and wellness among the citizenry. 
22 
 
The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local 
23 
Government   (DILG) and all local government units shall hold simple ceremonies or 
24 
activities to highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building.  
25 
 
SEC. 19. Penalty Clause. - Any local government official who violates any 
26 
provision of    this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with 
27 
law. 
28 
 
SEC. 20.  Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of 
29 
this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the LGUs, other local 
30 
funds, the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the 
31 
“Universal Health Care Act”. 
32 
 
SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulation. – The DOH and the DILG 
33 
shall, in consultation with the DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concerned government 
34 
agencies and non-governmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to 
35 
implement this Act not later than One hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of 
36 
this Act. 
37 
 


11 
 
 
 
 
SEC. 22. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 
1 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and 
2 
effect. 
3 
 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the     
4 
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” is hereby repealed. All 
5 
laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with this 
6 
Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly. 
7 
 
SEC. 24. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its 
8 
publication in  the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
9 
 
Approved,