Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
229

House Bill No. ie

Introduced by Honorable LILIA M. NUNO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article II, Section 15 of the Philippine Constitution states that, “The State shall protect
and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them.” At
the forefront of the government's health advocacy, are our Barangay Health Workers.

Section 17 of Republic Act No.7160 of the Local Government Code of 1991, mandates
the Local Government Units (LGU’s) to assume the health service implementation role in the
‘communities, while the national government is responsible for ensuring technical standards and
equity in health. Thus, the activities of Barangay Health Workers in the communities are
operationally and administratively supported by LGU’s.

Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the Barangay Health Worker's Benefits and
Incentives Act of 1995 officially recognized the invaluable contribution of Barangay Health
Workers to the community health development. Barangay Health Workers, aside from providing
basic health education and services at the grassroots level, also conducts data gathering
imperative in determining urgent health issues; assists regularly in the immunization program
launched periodically by the government; and helps the Population Commission (POPCOM) in
the conduct of issues.

Under Republic Act No. 7883, Barangay Health Workers are given various incentives
and benefits, such as hazard allowance and subsistence allowance, as well as other non-monetary
entitlements. Aside from all of these, this bill proposes to grant a modest compensation in the
form of an additional honorarium of Four Thousand Pesos (Php 4,000.00) to all Barangay Health
Workers on top of the current One Thousand Pesos (Php 1,000.00) they receive per month from
their respective LGU’s. In order to help depressed 4" , 5" and 6" class LGU’s, this bill further
authorizes the national government to provide the necessary subsidy for the payment of the
proposed honorarium to Barangay Health Workers nationwide.

‘Through this bill, Barangay Health Workers will receive a regular monthly compensation
in the form of an honorarium of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000.00), thereby ensuring their
welfare and of the State, in general.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly requested.

irs dues
LILIA M. NUNO
2” District of Zamboanga City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

229

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable LILIA M. NUNO

AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE GRANT OF COMPENSATION IN THE FORM OF
ADDITIONAL HONORARIUM TO BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.

Section- 1. — Compensation of Barangay Health Workers.- In addition to the benefits
and incentives authorized under Republic Act No. 7883, accredited Barangay Health Workers
shall be granted compensation in the form of an additional honorarium of Four Thousand Pesos
(Php 4,000.00) on the Top of the current One Thousand Pesos (Php1,000.00) they receive per
month from their respective LGU’s.

Section-2. Funding- the amount for the grant of honorarium herein authorized shall be
chargeable to the Barangay or Municipality or City to which the Barangay Health Workers
belongs and shall be in accordance with section 17, Republic Act No. 7160 otherwise known as
the Local Government Code of 1991; provided, that the national government shall appropriate
the necessary subsidy for the payment of the proposed honorarium to Barangay Health Workers
in the 4", 5" and 6" class LGUs concerned.

Section- 3. Amendment ~ Republic Act No. 7160 and other pertinent provisions of
Republic Act No. 7883 are hereby amended or modified accordingly.

Section- 4. Implementing Guidelines. The Department of Budget and Management
(DBM) in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) shall issue the necessary guidelines for implementation of this Act.

Section- 5. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) national papers of general circulation.

Approved.