Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES RECEIVED
Quezon City ID are 28 JUL 205
‘Twentieth Congress 9, w 4
First Regular Session G

HOUSE BILL NO. _2377

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) play an essential role in ensuring that primary
healtheare services reach the grassroots level. These dedicated individuals serve as the
backbone of the Philippine healthcare system, working in communities to provide health
services, education, and support in times of crises. Despite their critical contributions, BHWs
often face inadequate recognition, limited support, and lack of clear and enforceable benefits,
which hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively and sustainably.

As of recent data, there are about 253,000 Barangay Health Workers across the country,
serving in various capacities within their communities. However, many of these workers lack
proper recognition, formal training opportunities, and are not entitled to comprehensive
benefits that reflect the importance of their role. Rural Filipino households rely mostly on the
services provided by BHWs, highlighting their indispensable role in healthcare delivery,
especially in underserved regions.

This bill seeks to institutionalize the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers to
ensure that BHWs receive not only recognition but also clear, enforceable rights and benefits
that will improve their welfare and professional capacity. The goal is to create a comprehensive
framework for the support, training, and career development of BHWs, thereby strengthening
their capacity to deliver essential health services and contribute to the achievement of Universal
Health Care goals in the country.

Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Professionalization of BHWs: The bill ensures that BHWs who undergo the required
training and accreditation receive formal recognition and are entitled to various
benefits. It proposes the registration and accreditation of BHWs by the local health
board, ensuring that only qualified individuals are entrusted with the responsibility of
community healthcare.

Page | 1


2. Comprehensive Benefits: BHWs will be entitled to monthly honoraria, hazard
allowances, and other financial incentives. This will help improve the compensation of
BHWs and ensure they are adequately supported for their work in challenging
environments. Additionally, health benefits, insurance coverage, and free legal
assistance will be provided to protect BHWs while performing their duties.

3. Incentives for Professional Development: BHWs will have access to training,
education, and career enrichment programs, supported by the Department of Health
(DOH), TESDA, and other agencies. These programs will provide opportunities for
BHWs to improve their skills, gain certifications, and pursue further education in
health-related fields. The bill also introduces ladderized education pathways, allowing
BHWs to earn academic credits for their years of service and pursue higher education
or specialized health training.

4, Recognition and Welfare: The bill proposes to commemorate BHW Day every April 7,
recognizing the vital role that BHWs play in the healthcare system. It also ensures that
BHWs who have shown exceptional service will be eligible for cash incentives,
including a gratuity cash incentive for those who have served for 15 years or more.

5. Enhanced Protection and Rights: The bill outlines clear mechanisms to protect BHWs
from abuse and unfair dismissal. A grievance mechanism will be established to address
any complaints, ensuring fair treatment and job security for BHWs. The bill also
prohibits discrimination and ensures that BHWs will be protected in cases of job-related
injuries, accidents, or disputes.

6. Strengthened Support through LGUs and the National Government: The bill requires
Local Government Units (LGUs) to allocate resources for the support and welfare of
BHWs, with a focus on ensuring their continuous training, proper compensation, and
provision of essential healthcare tools. DOH and DILG will oversee the effective
implementation of the program and monitor the performance of LGUs in supporting
BHWs.

7. Targeted Funding: The bill emphasizes the need for the Special Health Fund, sourced
from the Universal Health Care Act and other national funds, to support the ongoing
professionalization and welfare of BHWs, ensuring that no BHW is left unsupported
due to inadequate funding.

The Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers is an essential step toward strengthening

the Philippines’ healthcare system by recognizing and empowering the grassroots health
workforce. It ensures that BHWs are properly compensated, trained, and equipped to provide
critical health services to the Filipino people, particularly in remote and underserved
communities.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is eamestly sought.

.DRIAN SALCEDA.

Page | 2


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _2377_

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

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, and 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 United Nations sustainable
development goals, the State shall adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of
barangay health workers who are the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots
level, and 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 or non-government
organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the
community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board.

SEC. 4. Coverage. - This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers (BHWs) as
defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and benefits granted under
this Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have undergone at least two (2) years
of training: Provided, however, That duly registered barangay health workers shall be entitled
to a monthly honoraria and hazard allowance as provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further,
That when the BHW receives a fixed salary under a permanent appointment in any government
office, by election to another public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage
under this Act shall automatically cease and the BHW shall be covered under applicable laws.

Page | 3


SEC. 5. Registration. — All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board in the
city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be given appropriate
proof of said registration.

‘The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the BHW
Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be subject to the
approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of
the updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health Office for consolidation and
validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW Federation, which shall also be subject
to the approval of the Provincial Health Board. The Provincial BHW Registry shall be posted
in the municipal or city bulletin board and barangay health centers.

The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every year to
the Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The
DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry 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 recommended by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public
health nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay health workers
association and certified by the Sangguniang Barangay;

(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 (NGO);

(©) 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 the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation and
training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application.

SEC. 6. 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 a certificate of accreditation to qualified
BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:

(a) Be registered in accordance with Section 5 hereof;

(b) Have satisfactorily undertaken the role of a BHW in the locality as provided for in
Section 7 hereof, for 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 in order to upgrade and develop the skills and competency required of a
BHW. The training program shall be institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local
government units (LGUs).

Page | 4


It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in
cooperation with the provincial government and 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.

The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and accreditation
committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not than later 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. 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health Workers. — As one
of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the DOH and LGUs shall support
BHWs as they perform the following roles:

(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 the importance of a birth plan and  facility-based
delivery in reducing matemal and infant deaths; newbom screening forthe
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, if necessary;

(d) Linker - 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 health care services as
may be needed in the community in any health event.

The BHW shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:

(a) Height and weight monitoring, and reporting the same to the barangay;

(b) Monitoring and following up of defaulted cases of immunization, family planning,
tuberculosis compliance to treatment and others, and reporting the same to the barangay;

(c) Reporting to the barangay any incidence of disease or any health cases in the
community;

(a) Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate in barangay
health center activities;

(e) Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community;

(f) Administering first aid;

(g) Conducting health visits;

(h) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women;

(i) Conducting health education;

Page | 5


(p) Strengthening referral systems;

(k) Collecting sputum;

(D) Identifying people with disease and sickness;

(m)Community health profiling;

(n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives;

(0) Responding in natural calamities and disasters; and

(p) Coordinating closely with the local government health officer in the implementation
of health programs in the locality.

SEC. 8. Number of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). — Subject to relevant laws, and
in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective local government units, the
number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by and based on the particular need of the
barangay for BHW services.

The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the number of
households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers nationwide shall not
be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.

The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of BHWs.

SEC. 9. Incentives and Benefits. — All accredited BHWs who are actively and regularly
performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the following incentives and
benefits:

(a) Monthly Honoraria in the amount of not less than Three thousand pesos
(P3,000.00), subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value;

(b) Hazard Allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health board of 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 equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty,
which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing conditions as determined by the LGU
concerned, which in no case shall be less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) per day: Provided,
That the accredited BHW shall render service within the premises of isolated barangay health
stations in order to make it available at any and all times;

(@) Transportation Allowance of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per
month, subject to auditing rules and regulations, on the condition that the availment of
transportation services are in line with the performance of the BHW’s official duties and
responsibilities;

(e) One-time Gratuity Cash Incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P 10,000.00)
in recognition of the BHW’s loyalty and dedication and for having continuously and
satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years;

(f) Discount Privileges for BHWs. - All 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 as may be granted by the
commercial establishment and/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 VAT, if

Page | 6


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.

(g) 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 non-government organizations, provide
information on and opportunities for education and career enrichment for accredited BHWs,
such as the following:

1) Educational programs which credit the years of primary health care service
of the BHW towards higher education completion in institutions with stepladder
curricula, 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,
scholarships; and

3) Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster preparedness
and other programs that address emergent community health problems and issues.

(h) Health Benefits. — During their incumbency, all BHWs are entitled to the following
health benefits:
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 fund 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 Philippine Health Insurance
Corporation (Philhealth) as indirect contributors.

(i Insurance Coverage. - All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and benefits
from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which shall be bome by the LGU
concemed. For this purpose, the GSIS shall design an insurance benefit package suited to the
needs and status of BHWs;

(i) Sick and Maternity Leaves. ~ All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and maternity leaves.
1s prescribed by the Local Health Board: Provided, That, the BHWs shall continue to receive
their monthly honoraria while on leave, for such period in accordance with existing laws and
practices;

(k) Cash Gift - All accredited BHWs are entitled to cash gift of 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;

(Disability Benefit An accredited BHW who sustains injury or sickness in the course
of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for every
year of service;

(m) Civil Service Eligibility. - A second grade eligibility shall be granted to accredited
BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous service as such: Provided, That, should a
BHW become a regular employee of the government, the total numbers of years served as such
shall be credited to the BHWs service in computing the retirement benefits;

(n) Free Legal Services. - Legal representation and consultation services shall be
immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to an accredited BHW in cases of

Page | 7


coercion, interference, and in other civil and criminal cases filed by or against BHWs arising
out of or in connection with the performance of their duties as such;

(0) Preferential Access to Loan. - The DOH in coordination with other concerned
government agencies shall provide, within One hundred eighty (180) days after the effectivity
of this Act, a mechanism that shall provide BHWs organized 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.

Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered BHWs shall be
entitled to monthly honoraria and hazard allowance.

The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to BHWs not
otherwise provided by law.

SEC. 10. Annual Review. ~ The local health boards shall conduct an annual review of
the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives and allowances enumerated
in the immediately preceding Section taking into consideration the current consumer price
index as published by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

SEC. 11. Discrimination Prohibited. — Al offices and units under the DOST system
whose functions are related to virology shall be transferred to the VIP. All powers, functions,
assets, capital, records, funds, receivables, equipment and facilities of the DOST units or its
division shall be transferred to the VIP. The DOST shall conduct an audit and inventory of
assets, liabilities and human resources of the transferred offices and units under the DOST
system to the VIP. All transferred and new employees under the DOST System shall be subject
to the qualification standards provided for in the laws, rules and regulations of the Civil Service
Commission.

SEC. 12. Protection of BHWs. ~ No accredited BHW shall be removed except for a
valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall resolve
termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days from the receipt
of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly removed from service, the
BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits and incentives from the time
of termination up to the time of reinstatement.

SEC. 13. Grievance Mechanism. — The LHB shall establish a grievance mechanism as
a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of discrimination and unjust
removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the LHB shall be final and executory.

SEC. 14. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of BHWs. — There shall
be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing the municipal, city,
provincial, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, articulate, and crystalize issues
affecting health care delivery system 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.

The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their respective

local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to comprise the national board
of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-General shall be chosen from among the

Page | 8


national federation members to manage the day-to-day operation and activities of the
federation.

‘The respective boards of directors may create such other positions as may be necessary
for the management of the affairs of the local and national federation.

SEC. 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care Provider
Network, — The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs shall be a member of
the municipal or city local health board. The respective presidents of the federation of BHWs
of each city and municipality federation of a province shall elect from among themselves their
representative to the provincial health board: Provided, That the BHW representatives to the
local health boards shall not be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation, and
disciplinary or removal complaints of BHWs.

The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network, in the implementation
of health care services and programs.

SEC. 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. - No BHW shall
engage in any partisan political activity.

SEC. 17. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. ~ The DOH shall conduct
continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge and
skills through various forms including online learning and multimedia in major Philippine
dialects.

The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, assist the
LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the collective
experiences and leamings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and complementary
medicine,

The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs and
other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies concerned.

‘The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow them.
to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, otherwise
known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise
known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including academic credits for health-related
courses.

SEC. 18. Observance of BHW Day. ~ Every barangay shall commemorate BHW Day
during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of Barangay Health Workers, their
heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in promoting health and wellness
among the citizenry.

The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local Government
(DILG) and all local government unitsshall hold simple ceremonies or activities to highlight
the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building.

SEC. 19. Penalty Clause. — Any local government official who violates any provision
of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with law.

Page | 9


SEC. 20. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the LGUs, other local funds, the special
health fund under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the “Universal Health Care
Act”.

SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulation. - The DOH and the DILG shall, in
consultation with the DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concemed government agencies and non-
governmental 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. 22. 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. 23. 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 amended or accordingly.

SEC. 24, Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (1) after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

Page | 10