Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) aims to 
recognize the vital roles that BHWs play as the first-line of medical care at the 
grassroots level. The measure aims to provide ample support commensurate with 
their contributions to community health and welfare.  
There is no denying that there is a significant dearth of medical professionals 
and facilities in the country, particularly in far-flung regions where healthcare is 
scarce. According to the Department of Health’s (DOH) health facility survey in 2019, 
only about 90% of rural health units or primary healthcare facilities have at least one 
medical doctor, while a significant number of facilities do not have a nurse or a 
midwife. This then makes the presence of BHWs all the more invaluable and critical . 
BHWS are known as community members who receive training in order to fulfill 
their role as the initial point of contact for patients entering the broader healthcare 
system. In our country, the BHW program serves as the government’s primary strategy 
for eliminating the disparities between health service delivery and accessibility 
between urban and rural areas. 
The role of BHWs as the backbone of primary healthcare delivery at the 
grassroots level was first recognized in Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as 
the “Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995”. This laid the 
foundation for providing proper compensation for BHWs given their role in the delivery 
of certain primary care services to barangays. However, the law as it is today, has 
proven to be insufficient given the increasing costs of living and the evolving demands 
of the public health sector. Moreover, many BHWs continued their service throughout 
the years despite limited resources and funding.  
July 23, 2025
2:15 pm
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In response to this, the proposed measure shall build upon previous efforts of 
the existing law. The bill seeks to standardize the allowances and broaden existing 
benefits provided to BHWs. It shall also include the introduction of a one-time 
retirement cash incentive, opportunities for career and educational growth, health 
benefits and insurance coverage. It is hoped that through these BHWs can 
significantly help address the gaps in healthcare delivery and expand the reach of 
essential health services. 
The measure endeavors to be a testament of the State towards making 
essential goods, healthcare and other social services accessible to all. By properly 
supporting our BHWs as frontline partners, the proposed Magna Carta shall not only 
recognize, but also elevate their roles in community health as it is crucial that we 
empower our dedicated BHWs who are at the forefront of building a healthier and 
more resilient Philippines.   
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
    Ryan S. Recto 
    Representative 
          6th District, Batangas 


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ______ 
Introduced by Representative Ryan S. Recto 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the 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 
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protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated and 
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comprehensive approach to health development, and pursuant thereto, it shall 
3 
endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare and other social services available to 
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all the people. In line with the country’s commitment to accomplish health indicator 
5 
targets under United Nations sustainable development goals, the State shall adopt 
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policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers who are 
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the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and effectively 
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harness their potential as partners in development. 
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SEC. 3. Definition. – As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” refers 
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to a person who has undergone training under any accredited government or non-
12 
government organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare 
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services in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the 
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local health board. 
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SEC. 4. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers (BHWs) 
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as defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and benefits 
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granted under this Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have undergone 
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at least two (2) years of training: Provided, however, That duly registered barangay 
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health workers shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria and hazard allowance as 
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provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further, That when the BHW receives a fixed salary 
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under a permanent appointment in any government office, by election to another 
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public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage under this Act shall 
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automatically cease and the BHW shall be covered under applicable laws. 
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SEC. 5. Registration. – All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board 
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in the city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be given 
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appropriate proof of said registration. 
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The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the 
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BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be 
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subject to the approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices 
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shall submit a copy of the updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health 
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Office for consolidation and validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW 
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Federation, which shall also be subject to the approval of the Provincial Health Board. 
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The Provincial BHW Registry shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin board and 
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barangay health centers. 
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The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every 
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year to the Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for 
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consolidation. The DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs. 
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In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must: 
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a) Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and 
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satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date 
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of the filing of application for registration in the barangay as 
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recommended by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public health nurse 
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assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay health 
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workers association and certified by the Sangguniang Barangay; 
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b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as 
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prescribed by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government 
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agency, or DOH-recognized academic institution, or (NGO); 
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c) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the 
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application for registration; and 
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d) Be physically and mentally fit. 
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It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with 
33 
the Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation 
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and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application. 
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SEC. 6. Accreditation. – To further professionalize the health care services 
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rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly 
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registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board. 
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The municipal or city health board shall issue a certificate of accreditation to 
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qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must: 
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a) Be registered in accordance with Section 5 hereof; 
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b) Have satisfactorily undertaken the role of a BHW in the locality as 
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provided for in Section 7 hereof, for at least two (2) years of continuous 
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and satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for 
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accreditation; 
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c) Have completed a regular training program on health care service and 
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community-based health program in order to upgrade and develop the 
2 
skills and competency required of a BHW. The training program shall be 
3 
institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local government units 
4 
(LGUs). 
5 
It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in 
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cooperation with the provincial government and DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs 
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the necessary support and opportunities for accreditation. 
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A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and 
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community-based health program within five (5) years from registration. 
10 
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and 
11 
accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not 
12 
than later thirty (30) days from the date of application. 
13 
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is 
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accessible to the general public. 
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SEC. 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health Workers. – As 
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one of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the DOH and LGUs 
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shall support BHWs as they perform the following roles: 
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a) Advocate – to support, promote and champion current health programs, 
19 
projects and activities to improve access to quality health services 
20 
towards the improved health status of the community; 
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b) Educator – to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and 
23 
health priorities of LGUs such as the importance of a birth plan and 
24 
facility-based delivery in reducing maternal and infant deaths; newborn 
25 
screening for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders 
26 
which may leads to mental retardation and even death, among others; 
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c) Disseminator – to maintain regular communication with local 
29 
professional health workers on health events and updates and concerns 
30 
relevant to the community and inform the same to the community for 
31 
appropriate action, if necessary; 
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d) Linker – to facilitate access to any group or association of the 
34 
community with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health 
35 
service providers; 
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e) Record Keeper – to maintain updated records of health data, health 
38 
activities and events in the community; 
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f) Health Care Service Provider – to assist and provide basic health care 
41 
services as may be needed in the community in any health event. 
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The BHW shall perform the following duties and responsibilities: 
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a) Height and weight monitoring, and reporting the same to the barangay; 
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b) Monitoring and following up of defaulted cases of immunization, family 
1 
planning, tuberculosis compliance to treatment and others, and 
2 
reporting the same to the barangay; 
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c) Reporting to the barangay any incidence of disease or any health cases 
5 
in the community; 
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d) Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate in 
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barangay health center activities; 
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e) Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community; 
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f) Administering first aid; 
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g) Conducting health visits; 
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h) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women; 
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i) Conducting health education; 
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j) Strengthening referral systems; 
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k) Collecting sputum; 
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l) Identifying people with disease and sickness; 
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m) Community health profiling; 
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n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives; 
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o) Responding in natural calamities and disasters; and 
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p) Coordinating closely with the local government health officer in the 
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implementation of health programs in the locality. 
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SEC. 8. Number of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). – Subject to relevant laws, 
36 
and in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective local 
37 
government units, the number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by and 
38 
based on the particular need of the barangay for BHW services. 
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The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the 
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number of households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers 
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nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population. 
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The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of 
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BHWs. 
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SEC. 9. Incentives and Benefits. – All accredited BHWs who are actively and 
45 
regularly performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the following 
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incentives and benefits: 
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a) Monthly Honoraria in the amount of not less than Three thousand pesos 
1 
(P3,000.00), subject to adjustment based on the prevailing market value; 
2 
 
3 
b) Hazard Allowance in an amount to be determined by the local health 
4 
board of LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than One 
5 
thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to existing laws, rules, 
6 
and regulations; 
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c) Subsistence Allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of 
9 
their duty, which shall be computed in accordance with prevailing 
10 
conditions as determined by the LGU concerned, which in no case shall 
11 
be less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) per day: Provided, That the 
12 
accredited BHW shall render service within the premises of isolated 
13 
barangay health stations in order to make it available at any and all 
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times; 
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d) Transportation Allowance of not less than One thousand pesos 
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(P1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations, on the 
18 
condition that the availment of transportation services are in line with 
19 
the performance of the BHW’s official duties and responsibilities; 
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e) One-time Gratuity Cash Incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos 
22 
(P10,000.00) in recognition of the BHW’s loyalty and dedication and for 
23 
having continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) 
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years; and 
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f) Discount Privileges for BHWs. – All BHWs shall be entitled to twenty 
27 
percent (20%) discount on all the items enumerated under Section 4(a) 
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of Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior 
29 
Citizens Act of 2010: Provided, That the privileges shall not be claimed if 
30 
the BHW is eligible for a higher discount as may be granted by the 
31 
commercial establishment and/or other existing laws. 
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The commercial establishment may claim the discount granted under 
34 
this section as tax deduction based on the cost of goods sold or services 
35 
rendered: Provided, That the discount shall be allowed as deduction from 
36 
the gross income for the same taxable year that the discount is granted: 
37 
Provided further, That the total amount of the claimed tax deduction net 
38 
of VAT, if applicable, shall be included in their gross sales receipt for tax 
39 
purposes and shall be subject to proper documentation and to the 
40 
provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
41 
 
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g) Training, Education, and Career Enrichment Programs. – The DOH shall, in 
43 
coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on 
44 
Higher Education (CHED), Technical Education and Skills Development 
45 
Authority (TESDA), DOH-recognized academic institutions, other 
46 
concerned agencies and non-government organizations, provide 
47 
information on and opportunities for education and career enrichment 
48 
for accredited BHWs, such as the following: 
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1) Educational programs which credit the years of primary health care 
1 
service of the BHW towards higher education completion in 
2 
institutions with stepladder curricula, thus allowing them to 
3 
upgrade their skills and knowledge for community work or to 
4 
pursue further training as midwives, pharmacists, nurses or 
5 
doctors; 
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2) Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, field 
8 
immersion, scholarships; and 
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3) Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster 
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preparedness and other programs that address emergent 
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community health problems and issues. 
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h) Health Benefits. – During their incumbency, all BHWs are entitled to the 
15 
following health benefits: 
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1) Free medical care, including surgery and surgical expenses, 
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medicines, x-ray and other laboratory fees, when confined in any 
19 
public hospital or health institution; 
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2) Emergency assistance not exceeding the amount of five thousand 
22 
pesos (P5,000.00) chargeable against the fund of the barangay 
23 
concerned, for expenses incurred in the nearest private hospital or 
24 
clinic in case of extreme emergency where there is no available 
25 
public hospital; 
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3) Mandatory and immediate membership in the Philippine Health 
28 
Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) as indirect contributors. 
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i) Insurance Coverage. – All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and 
31 
benefits from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) which 
32 
shall be borne by the LGU concerned. For this purpose, the GSIS shall 
33 
design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and status of 
34 
BHWs; 
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j) Sick and Maternity Leaves. – All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and 
37 
maternity leaves as prescribed by the Local Health Board: Provided, That, 
38 
the BHWs shall continue to receive their monthly honoraria while on 
39 
leave, for such period in accordance with existing laws and practices; 
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k) Cash Gift. – All accredited BHWs are entitled to cash gift of not less than 
42 
the minimum monthly honoraria to be given every December from the 
43 
general fund of the barangay or from such other funds appropriated by 
44 
the national government for the purpose; 
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l) Disability Benefit. – An accredited BHW who sustains injury or sickness 
47 
in the course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two 
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thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for every year of service; 
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m) Civil Service Eligibility. – A second grade eligibility shall be granted to 
1 
accredited BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous service 
2 
as such: Provided, That, should a BHW become a regular employee of 
3 
the government, the total numbers of years served as such shall be 
4 
credited to the BHWs service in computing the retirement benefits; 
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n) Free Legal Services. – Legal representation and consultation services 
7 
shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to an 
8 
accredited BHW in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil and 
9 
criminal cases filed by or against BHWs arising out of or in connection 
10 
with the performance of their duties as such; 
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o) Preferential Access to Loan. – The DOH in coordination with other 
13 
concerned government agencies shall provide, within One hundred 
14 
eighty (180) days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that shall 
15 
provide BHWs organized access to loan services. The agencies 
16 
providing loan services will set aside one percent (1%) of their loanable 
17 
funds for organized BHW groups that have community-based income 
18 
generating projects in support of health programs or activities.  
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Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered BHWs shall be 
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entitled to monthly honoraria and hazard allowance. 
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The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to 
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BHWs not otherwise provided by law. 
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SEC. 10. Annual Review. – The local health boards shall conduct an annual 
25 
review of the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives and 
26 
allowances enumerated in the immediately preceding Section taking into 
27 
consideration the current consumer price index as published by the Philippine 
28 
Statistics Authority. 
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SEC. 11. Discrimination Prohibited. – Discrimination against any BHW by reason 
30 
of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic groupings in the 
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exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited. 
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SEC. 12. Protection of BHWs. – No accredited BHW shall be removed except for 
33 
a valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall resolve 
34 
termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days from 
35 
the receipt of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly removed 
36 
from service, the BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits and 
37 
incentives from the time of termination up to the time of reinstatement. 
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SEC. 13. Grievance Mechanism. – The LHB shall establish a grievance 
39 
mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of 
40 
discrimination and unjust removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the 
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LHB shall be final and executory. 
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SEC. 14. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of BHWs. – There 
43 
shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing the municipal, 
44 
city, provincial, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, articulate, and 
45 
crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and with utmost regard to 
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service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the 
1 
interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients. 
2 
The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their 
3 
respective local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to 
4 
comprise the national board of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-
5 
General shall be chosen from among the national federation members to manage the 
6 
day-to-day operation and activities of the federation. The respective boards of 
7 
directors may create such other positions as may be necessary for the management 
8 
of the affairs of the local and national federation. 
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SEC. 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care 
10 
Provider Network. – The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs shall be 
11 
a member of the municipal or city local health board. The respective presidents of the 
12 
federation of BHWs of each city and municipality federation of a province shall elect 
13 
from among themselves their representative to the provincial health board: Provided, 
14 
That the BHW representatives to the local health boards shall not be allowed to vote 
15 
on the registration, accreditation, and disciplinary or removal complaints of BHWs. 
16 
The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network in the 
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implementation of health care services and programs. 
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SEC. 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. – No BHW shall 
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engage in any partisan political activity. 
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SEC. 17. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. – The DOH shall conduct 
21 
continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge 
22 
and skills through various forms including online learning and multimedia in major 
23 
Philippine dialects. 
24 
The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, 
25 
assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the 
26 
collective experiences and learnings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and 
27 
complementary medicine. 
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The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs 
29 
and other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies 
30 
concerned. 
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The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will 
32 
allow them to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 
33 
10968, otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic 
34 
Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including 
35 
academic credits for health-related courses. 
36 
SEC. 18. Observance of BHW Day. – Every barangay shall commemorate BHW 
37 
Day during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of Barangay Health 
38 
Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in 
39 
promoting health and wellness among the citizenry. 
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The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local 
41 
Government (DILG) and all local government units shall hold simple ceremonies or 
42 
activities to highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building. 
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SEC. 19. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any 
1 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance 
2 
with law. 
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SEC. 20. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of 
4 
this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the LGUs, other local 
5 
funds, the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the 
6 
“Universal Health Care Act”. 
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SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulation. – The DOH and the DILG shall, in 
8 
consultation with the DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concerned government agencies 
9 
and non-governmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to implement 
10 
this Act not later than One hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity of this Act. 
11 
SEC. 22. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
12 
invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect. 
13 
SEC. 23. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the 
14 
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” is hereby repealed. 
15 
All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with 
16 
this Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly. 
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SEC. 24. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation. 
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Approved, 
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