EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO. 949
j.) 
Xii', n il
ol .i)i'cr;tai{>
•19 
AUG 20 P4 :08
RECtlVLDbt;
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
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
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The 1987 Philippine Constitution, Article II, Sections 15 and 22, provides:
"Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them."
"Section 22. The State recognizes and promotes the rights of 
indigenous cultural communities within the framework of national 
unity and development."
Our indigenous cultural communities (ICCs) lack of access to basic services 
especially healthcare is still a continuing problem. This is mostly due to the fact 
that ICCs are settled in far-flung areas which make it difficult for them to avail of 
the benefits of modern medicine and healthcare and sequentially makes them 
susceptible to serious health problems and complications.
This proposal seeks to establish and institutionalize the training of tribal health 
workers. Their designation is intended to help complement the existing efforts of 
barangay health workers and the DOH in providing primary healthcare in their


respective communities in order to prevent health problems and pursue effective 
community-based health services.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
MARIA LOURDES NANCY S. BINAY
Senator


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. NO. 
949
•ia‘ -
" s-nji (fiflir? of lijc ^fcrctm p
•19 AUG 20 P4 08
RECEIVED br.
Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay
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 House o f Representatives o f the Phiiippines in 
Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Short Title. -  This Act shall be known as the "Tribal Health
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Workers Act of 2017."
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Sec. 2. Declaration o f Policy. -  The Philippine Constitution of 1987
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provides that the State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to
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health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and
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other social services available to all the people at affordable cost. It is also the
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policy of the State to provide cheap and affordable quality medicine and medical
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services to citizens in far-flung areas and indigenous communities.
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Sec. 3. Definition o f Terms. -  As used in this Act, the following words and
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phrases shall be defined as:
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(a) "Barangay Health Worker" refers to a person who has
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undergone health care training programs in any accredited
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government or non-government organization and who
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voluntarily renders primary health care services in the
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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), as 
defined in Republic Act No. 7883;
(b) "Tribal Health Worker" refers to members of ICC who have 
undergone health care training by either government or 
non-government organizations and renders voluntary health 
care in the tribal community;
Sec. 4. . Tribal Health Workers -  all tribal communities which are located 
about ten kilometers (10km) from the barangay center are qualified to have 
tribal health workers (THW). The number of families in a community will 
determine the number of THW in that community -  One (1) tribal health worker 
for every thirty (30) families.
Sec. 5. Selection and Training o f 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 health workers to the DOH which shall maintain a national list of 
tribal health workers.
Sec. 6. Responsibilities o f 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 LCD and the CENRO of the DENR are hereby 
required to provide assistance to the THW in establishing such herbal garden.
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Sec. 7. Benefits o f 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 DSWD 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 THW 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 
emerging primary health care management as well as new 
and emerging herbal medicines;
(d) Free legal services -  the Public Attorneys' Office shall 
provide free legal advice to 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.
Sec. 8. Rules and Regulations o f this Act -  the DOH, DSWD, DILG and 
DENR shall be responsible for the formulation of the Implementing Rules and


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Regulations (IRR) of this Act which shall be formulated within one hundred 
eighty (180) days upon its approval.
Sec. 9. Separability Clause -  If any provisions 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.
Sec. 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.
Sec. 11. Effectivity Clause. -  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,