Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. __________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by BHW PARTYLIST REP.  ANGELICA NATASHA A. CO 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine Constitution provides that “the state shall protect and promote the right to 
health of the people and instill health consciousness among them”1 It 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 the people at affordable cost. There shall 
be priority for the needs of the under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The 
State shall also endeavor to provide free medical care to paupers.”2  
Pursuant to this policy, the government has adopted the Primary Health Care Approach 
for health empowerment which emphasizes the need to provide accessible and acceptable health 
services through participatory strategies such as training of barangay health workers (BHWs), 
community building and organizing, among others. 
With the devolution of health services to local government units, however, pursuant to 
Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991”, primary 
health care has been relegated to the backseat or tail of local development programs. By and large, 
it has been the least of priorities of LGUs. For one, the reality that the unavailability of sufficient 
fund is a perennial obstacle cannot be ignored. This, despite the increasing health expenditure, for 
both the national and local governments. 
While Philippine laws, as a matter of policy, are replete with provisions giving high 
priority to health, they are also severely lacking of support mechanisms that would realize primary 
and universal health care.  The deplorable state of barangay health programs and services and the 
plight of BHWs are glaring manifestations of a skewed policy environment and lack of political 
will on the part of government. 
Notwithstanding the enactment of Republic Act No.7305 in 1992, otherwise known as the 
“Magna Carta of Public Health Workers,” BHWs are excluded from the benefits and incentives 
accorded to other public health workers, although by definition they seem to be part of the law. 
1 Section 15, Article II, Philippine Constitution 
2 Section 11. Article XIII, Philippine Constitution 
July 7, 2022
11:36 am
1546


 
 
Page 2 of 10 
 
In 1995, the enactment of Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the Barangay 
Health Workers Benefits and Incentives Act” was then hailed as a great boost to primary health 
care. Soon enough, however, the law cannot be effectively implemented despite its noble ideals 
due to “insufficient LGU funds.”  If not for the strong spirit of volunteerism and patriotism of 
BHWs, primary health care at the barangay level could have been a total flap, sans the critical 
support mechanisms, such as transportation, subsistence and hazard allowances, and protection of 
the BHWs from politicking, to the detriment of continuous and much needed community health 
services. 
 
Providing benefits, incentives and protection to our BHWs, should be premised and 
anchored on strengthening primary health care as an essential and integral component of universal 
health care.  
 
BHWs are an indispensable force who are at the forefront of health and wellness at the 
community level. Their role is critical in ensuring the success of primary health care which 
provides promotive, preventive, curative and pallative health care. As such, this can translate into 
big savings on the part of government in terms of health expenditures. This would definitely 
redound also to economic progress for our country and every Filipino family, considering that our 
fellowmen would be healthy and productive.  
 
In the past, there is always this tendency to shy away from the cost of upgrading the 
benefits and incentives of our BHWs which is a miniscule amount relative to its social and 
economic impact. Strategically, the incentives and benefits we will provide to our BHWs will 
bring wealth to the nation. Unless we recognize this, we cannot expect our BHWs who languish 
in poverty and poor health to contribute greatly in building a healthy and progressive nation. 
 
It is high time, that we take a closer look into the essence of the volunteer status of our 
BHWs. It is high time that we treat our BHWs with utmost respect in real terms, sans political 
rhetoric, by providing them with concrete support and ammunitions, so to speak, in battling 
perennial health woes that continue to besiege and has relegated our people into economic and 
social quagmire. That our BHWs serve as volunteers is not a license to neglect, discrimination, 
and even abuse. For several decades now, our BHWs have relentlessly struggled and served our 
people unselfishly. Our BHWs are heroes and honor we must give them no less.   
 
Our BHWs deserve dignity in their chosen noble vocation in the service of the people. 
What we must provide them is not act of charity or mercy. Congress is duty bound to fulfill its 
obligation to ensure health for all and social justice.  
 
BHWs are the front-liners in primary health care as they provide assistance and support to 
physicians, dentists, nutritionists, public health nurses, and midwives. Their role is indispensable 
to barangay health and wellness. Yet, as “volunteers”, BHWs are grossly taken for granted. Under 
such nomenclature as “volunteers”, it is ironic that our barangay health providers suffer the brunt 
of poor health services along with countless barangay folks who are trapped in widespread poverty 
borne by social inequities.  
 
This bill was reported out by the Committee on Local Government during the 18th 
Congress. It was subsequently passed by the House of Representatives on third reading. 
Unfortunately, it was not tackled by the Senate due to lack of time because it was transmitted 
thereto close to the election period. 
 
This bill is largely based on House Bill No. 3985 which was introduced by this 
representation during the 18th Congress. However, as one of the principal authors thereof, this 


Page 3 of 10 
representation deems it imperative to introduce some important amendments especially with 
respect to the grant of certain benefits to all BHWs, whether registered or accredited, which are 
actually essential to enable them to perform their tasks and not for personal gains, such as 
transportation, hazard and subsistence allowances, and honoraria. This is the original intent of 
HB. No. 3985. 
In view of the forgoing, it is imperative to institutionalize and strengthen primary health 
care at the barangay level by establishing the necessary support mechanisms, by upgrading the 
incentives and benefits of barangay health workers and by providing the necessary funds for its 
effective implementation.  
The immediate passage of this bill, to be known as the Barangay Health and Wellness Act, 
is earnestly sought in keeping with the Philippine commitments to the Sustainable Development 
Goals (SDG) and the Declaration of Astana on Primary Health Care.  
REP. ANGELICA NATASHA A. CO 
    BHW PARTYLIST 


Page 4 of 10 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _________ 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by BHW PARTYLIST REP.  ANGELICA NATASHA A. CO 
____________________________________________________________________________ 
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. 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 the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 
(SDGs), the State shall adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health 
workers who are the forefront of the delivery of healthcare at the grassroots level, and which shall 
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 and nongovernmental 
organization and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the community after 
having been accredited to function as such by the local health board in accordance with the 
guidelines to be promulgated by the Department of Health (DOH).  
SEC. 4.  Registration. – Barangay health workers (BHWs) shall be registered with the 
local health board in the city or municipality in which they render service. The registered health 
workers shall be given appropriate proof of said registration.  
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly maintain and update the BHW 
Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation and shall submit the same to the municipal 
or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of their respective updated BHW 
registry to the Provincial Health Office which shall consolidate all registries. Upon the validation 
of the Provincial BHW Federation, the consolidated Provincial Registry shall be submitted to the 
Provincial Health Board, and the same shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin boards and 
barangay health centers.  
1546


 
 
Page 5 of 10 
 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every year to 
the DOH at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH is hereby mandated to 
maintain a national register 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 certified by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or 
public health nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay health 
workers association;  
 
(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 nongovernmental organization (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 DOH, to provide the BHW applicants with basic orientation and 
training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application.   
 
SEC. 5. 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 the certificate of accreditation to qualified 
BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:  
 
(a)  Be registered in accordance with Section 4 hereof;   
  
(b)  Have completed in the locality 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, that would upgrade and develop the skills and competency of 
BHWs to perform their roles. The training program shall be institutionalized by the 
DOH, in cooperation with local government units (LGUs). 
  
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city LGUs, in cooperation with the provincial 
government and the 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.  
 


 
 
Page 6 of 10 
 
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and accreditation 
committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not later than 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. 6. Number and Role of Barangay Health Workers. – Notwithstanding the 
limitations prescribed under Section 325 (a) of Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, otherwise 
known as “The Local Government Code of 1991”, each barangay shall at least have one (1) BHW 
for every twenty (20) households.   
 
As one of the key partners in a reformed healthcare delivery system, the DOH and LGUs 
shall support the roles of BHWs as: 
   
(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 importance of birth plan and facility-based delivery                      
in reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn screening for the early                      
detection of congenital metabolic disorders which may lead 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; 
 
(d) Coordinator - 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 healthcare services as may 
be needed in the community in any health event.  
 
A BHW shall not be required to engage in any partisan political activity.  
  
SEC. 7.  Mandatory Appointment of Barangay Health Worker (BHW). – There shall be 
appointed at least one (1) BHW in every barangay for every twenty (20) households.  The BHW 
so appointed shall coordinate closely with the local government health officer in the 
implementation of health programs in the locality. The BHW to be employed must be a resident 
of the barangay.  
  
The DOH shall determine the ratio of barangay health workers according to the number of 
20 households: Provided, That there shall be at least one (1) BHW for every twenty (20) 
households: Provided, further, That the total number of barangay health workers nationwide shall 
not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.  
  


 
 
Page 7 of 10 
 
SEC. 8. Incentives and Benefits. – All registered and accredited BHWs who are actively 
and regularly performing their duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount of not 
less than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market 
value, in addition to the following incentives and benefits: 
 
(a) Discount Privileges for the BHWs. – All registered and accredited 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 that may be granted by the commercial establishment 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 value-added tax, 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. 
 
(b) Hazard Allowance. – All registered and accredited BHWs shall be entitled to hazard 
allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board of the 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. – All registered and accredited BHWs who render service 
within the premises of isolated barangay health stations shall be entitled to subsistence 
allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty, which shall be 
computed in accordance with prevailing circumstances as determined by the LGU 
concerned. Such allowance shall, in no case, be less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) 
per day;  
 
(d) Transportation Allowance. – All registered and accredited BHWs, in the performance 
of their official duties, shall be entitled to a transportation allowance of not less than 
One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations;  
 
(e) One-time Retirement Cash Incentive. – An accredited BHW who has continuously and 
satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years shall be entitled to a one-time 
retirement cash incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in 
recognition of their loyalty and dedication, which shall be borne by the municipality 
or city concerned. The provincial government may provide assistance for this purpose;  
 
(f) 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 
nongovernmental organizations, provide information on and opportunities for 
education and career enrichment for accredited BHWs, such as in the following 
programs:  
   
(1)  Educational programs which credit the years of primary healthcare service of the 
BHW towards higher education completion in institutions with stepladder curricula 


 
 
Page 8 of 10 
 
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, and 
scholarships, among others;  
 
(3)  Scholarship benefits in the form of tuition fees in state colleges, to be granted to 
one (1) child of every barangay health worker who will not be able to take 
advantage of the programs described in paragraphs (1) and (2) hereof; and  
 
(4)  Special training programs  
such as traditional medicine, disaster preparedness 
and other programs that address emergent community health problems and issues.  
  
(g)  Health Benefits. – All registered and accredited BHWs shall be entitled to the 
following health benefits during their incumbency:  
  
(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 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 PhilHealth as indirect contributors. 
 
The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to 
accredited BHWs not otherwise provided by law; 
 
(h)  Insurance Coverage. – Accredited BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and             
benefits by 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 unique circumstances of the BHWs;  
 
  
(i)  Sick, Vacation and Maternity Leaves. – All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to sick, 
vacation and maternity leaves as may be prescribed in the implementing rules and 
regulations of this Act: Provided, That, the BHWs shall continue to receive their 
monthly honoraria while on leave, for such period in accordance with existing laws 
and practices.    
 
(j) Cash Gift. – All accredited BHWs are entitled to a cash gift not less than the minimum 
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;   
 
(k) Disability Benefit. – An accredited BHW who sustains an injury or falls ill in the              
course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two thousand pesos 
(P2,000.00) for every year of service; 
 
(l) Civil Service Eligibility. – A first grade eligibility shall be granted to accredited BHWs 
who have rendered three (3) years continuous service as such: Provided, That should 
a BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total numbers of years 


 
 
Page 9 of 10 
 
served as such shall be credited to the BHW’s service in the computation of retirement 
benefits.    
 
No person duly accredited BHW shall be removed except for a valid cause to be 
determined by the Local Health Board (LHB): Provided, That if found to be unjustly 
removed from service, a BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of 
benefits and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of his 
reinstatement. The LHB shall resolve termination cases against a BHW judiciously 
not later than ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complaint.   
 
(l)  Free Legal Services. –  Legal representation and consultation services shall be              
immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to a registered and accredited 
BHW in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases filed by 
or against the BHW arising out 14 of or in connection with the performance of their 
duties as such.  
  
(m) Preferential Access to Loan Facilities. – The DOH in coordination with other 
concerned 16 government agencies shall provide, within one hundred eighty (180) 
days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that shall provide organized BHWs 
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.  
  
SEC. 9. Review by the Local Health Board. – Every incentive or benefit for BHWs 
requiring expenditure of local funds shall be reviewed and approved by the LHB. Such benefits 
and incentives may be increased, upon review of the LHB, after considering, among others, the 
present Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).”  
 
SEC. 10. 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. 11. Protection of BHWs. – The municipal, city, provincial governments and the 
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall establish a grievance mechanism 
as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of discrimination and unjust 
removal from the service. A BHW may appeal their grievances to the DILG. 
  
SEC. 12. Right to Self-organization. – A BHW shall have the right to freely form, join or 
assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through peaceful concerted activities, in 
a manner not contrary to law, 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.  
 
SEC. 13. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care Provider 
Network. – The president of the municipal or city association of BHWs shall be a member of the 
municipal or city local health board. The presidents of the association of BHWs of each 
component city and municipality associations of a province shall elect from among themselves 
their representative to the provincial health board: Provided, That, the BHW representatives to 
the health boards shall not be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation and disciplinary or 
removal complaints of BHWs.   
 
The BHWs shall also form part of the healthcare provider network and shall participate in 
the implementation of healthcare services and programs.  


 
 
Page 10 of 10 
 
 
SEC 14. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. – The DOH shall conduct continuous 
capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their knowledge and skills, including training 
programs conducted online and in major Philippine dialects.  
 
The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies shall also 
assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that highlight the collective 
experiences and learnings of BHWs and the use of traditional and complementary medicine.  
 
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs and other 
health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies concerned.  
  
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow them 
to benefit from ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, otherwise known 
as the “PQF Act,” and Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the “Ladderized Education 
Act of 2014,” including academic credits for health-related courses.  
  
SEC. 15. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any provision of 
this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with law. 
   
SEC. 16. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall 
be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs, other local funds and the 
special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known as the “Universal Health Care 
Act”.  
 
SEC. 17. Implementing Rules and Regulation. – The DOH and the DILG shall, in 
consultation with the DepEd, the CSC, the GSIS, and other concerned government agencies and 
nongovernmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act not later 
than one hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
SEC. 18. 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. 19. 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 modified accordingly.  
 
SEC. 20. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.  
 
Approved,