Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

20™ CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No.__1661

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE FRANCISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are the lifeblood of the Philippine primary healthcare system.
They are the first responders, health educators, and advocates embedded in every community—especially in
the remotest and poorest areas of our country. Despite their critical function in delivering public health
services, BHWs remain undervalued, undercompensated, and inadequately protected.

The proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, is a landmark piece of legislation that seeks
to correct decades of systemic neglect. It affirms the rights of BHWs to just and humane conditions of service.
It guarantees their entitlement to regular and sufficient honoraria, hazard pay, transportation allowance, and
access to health benefits, including PhilHealth and other insurance coverage. It ensures security of tenure,
legal assistance, and mechanisms for redress.

The passage of this measure is long overdue. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the everyday
sacrifices of our barangay health workers, who served—and continue to serve—bravely during pandemics,
disasters, and health emergencies, often without adequate protection or compensation.

We also take this opportunity to thank the co-authors and fellow champions of this bill during the
19th Congress, whose solidarity and commitment to the welfare of our frontline community health workers

strengthen this cause. Together, we are paving the way toward a more inclusive, responsive, and just health
system.

In view of the urgency and importance of this measure, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
and strongly sought. ]

HON. nf ISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V
/


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

20THCONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _ 1661

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE FRANCISCO PAOLO P. ORTEGA V

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 BarangayHealth
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 zoods, 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 hamess 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.

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).

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 maternal
and infant deaths;newborn screening for __the early detection of congenital metabolic
disorders which may leads to mental retardation and even death, among others;

(©) 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;

(4) 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;

(ec) Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data. health activities and events in the
community;

(1) 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;

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

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

(e) 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;

() Administering first aid;

(g) Conducting health visits;
(h) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women;

(i) Conducting health education;

(j) Strengthening referral systems;

(k) Collecting sputum;

(I) 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;

(4) 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 (P10,000.00) 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 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 borne by the LGU concemed. For this purpose,
the GSIS shall design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and status of BHWs;

@ Sick and Maternity Leaves. - All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and maternity leaves as
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;

(I) 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 Attomey’s Office to an accredited BHW in cases of 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 concemed 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. — 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. 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 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 respectivepresidents 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 learnings 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 units shall 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.

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 concerned 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 (15) after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,