NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
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SENATE
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of tl)r
•22 SEP 14 P5 :08
S.B. No. 1313
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
DECLARING APRIL 7 OF EVERY YEAR AS BARANGAY HEALTH AND NUTRITION 
WORKERS DAY
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Primary health care is an integral part of our national health system. It is based on 
"practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made 
universally accessible to individuals and families in the community at every stage of their 
development." Its functions and focus contribute to the overall social and economic 
development of the community (Alma-Ata Declaration, 1978)1.
In our communities, and for decades, our Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and 
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) have been at the forefront of delivering primary health 
care and nutrition services. They served as the first contact of individuals and families to 
our national health system. They complement our cadres of medical and health 
professionals, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and 
remote communities.
With the country's continuing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the 
risk of exposure to infection, our BHWs and BNS play an essential role in ensuring 
continuity in the delivery of primary health care and nutrition services and in bridging the 
national-local COVID-19 response to the communities through health and nutrition 
promotion and education.
In recognition of our BHWs and BNS's role and contribution, this bill seeks to 
declare April 7 of every year, which is marked and celebrated globally as World Health 
Day, as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day. It aims to promote and emphasize 
the role of our community health and nutrition workers and volunteers in addressing 
health and nutrition issues and in delivering appropriate services.
The immediate passage of this bill Is earnestly sought, para sa kalusugan at 
nutrisyon ng barangay.
RISA HONTIVEROS 
Senator
jud-
1 https://www.who.int/publications/almaata_declaration_en.pdf


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
SENATE
S.B. No. 1313
of t'.^rru'p
72 SEP 14 P5:08
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
AN ACT
DECLARING APRIL 7 OF EVERY YEAR AS BARANGAY HEALTH AND NUTRITION 
WORKERS DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phiiippines in Congress 
assembied:
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Section 1. Short Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Barangay Health and 
Nutrition Workers' Day Act."
Sec. 2. Deciaration ofPoiicy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the barangay 
health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in realizing the right to 
health of Individuals and families in the community.
It also recognizes barangay health and nutrition workers' contributions in the delivery and 
continuity of primary health care and nutrition services.
It also encourages the promotion of wellness and well-being of barangay health and 
nutrition workers and volunteers as an integral part of our health system and its human 
resource.
Sec. 3. Barangay Heaith and Nutrition Workers Day - The seventh (7th) day of 
April of every year is hereby declared as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day.
To ensure meaningful observance of this day as herein declared, all national government 
agencies and its instrumentalities, local government units in the country, including private 
and non-government organizations, are encouraged to organize, participate and engage 
in ceremonies or activities in their localities, communities, offices or establishments.
Sec. 4. Lead Agencies. - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of 
Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the national organization of 
barangay health and nutrition workers, shall be the lead agencies in charge of the 
coordination of the preparation and implementation of activities and advocacy campaign 
for the observance of the "Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day."
Sec. 5. Impiementing Ruies and Reguiations. - The DOH, in coordination with the 
DILG and consultation with barangay health nutrition workers' organizations, shall
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promulgate the necessary implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from
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the effectivity of this Act.
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Sec. 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
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in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation., whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,