Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2973
Introduced by Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, 
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH 
WORKERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that: “The State 
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.” Pursuant to this mandate, the Local 
Government Code of 1991 devolved the delivery of basic services and facilities, 
including health and social welfare services, to local government units (LGUs) 
down to the barangay level. As a result, barangay health centers are operated with 
the support of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), who voluntarily render 
essential primary health care services such as first aid, maternal, newborn and 
child healthcare, immunization, and other community-based health interventions. 
Recognizing that BHWs are the foundation of the country’s most basic 
healthcare programs, Republic Act No. 7883, or the Barangay Health Workers’ 
Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995, was enacted to provide support for BHWs 
through health education, training, and a system of incentives and benefits. 
However, despite being in effect for nearly three decades, the law has not been 
fully implemented due to insufficient funding and the absence of effective support 
mechanisms. As a result, BHWs continue to receive only minimal incentives and 
benefits, and are not granted the security of tenure proportionate to the critical 
responsibilities they carry out in their communities. 
August 4, 2025
5:00 pm


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To strengthen the State’s commitment to protecting health workers, 
particularly BHWs, this bill seeks to standardize the allowances and benefits 
provided to them by prescribing minimum entitlements. Furthermore, the 
measure introduces additional health and social benefits, including free medical 
care, insurance coverage, sick, vacation, and maternity leaves, a cash gift, and 
disability compensation. 
During the 19th Congress, this bill was filed and referred primarily to the 
Committee on Health and was subsequently approved on Third Reading by the 
House of Representatives. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
ANDREW JULIAN K. ROMUALDEZ 
         JUDE A. ACIDRE 


Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2973 
Introduced by Representatives Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, 
Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
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 


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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. 
 
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 


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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; 
(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 the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic 


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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, 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. 


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The municipal and city health boards or 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. 7. Roles, 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; 
(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; 


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(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; 
(d) Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate in 
barangay health center activities; 
(e) Community health profiling; 
(f) Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community; 
(g) Administering first aid; 
(h) Conducting health visits; 
(i) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women; 
(j) Conducting health education; 
(k) Strengthening referral systems; 
(l) Collecting sputum; 
(m) Identifying people with disease and sickness; 
(n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives; 
(o) 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 


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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; 


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(d) 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 


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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.  


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(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 concerned. For this purpose, the GSIS shall 
design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and status of 
BHWs; 
 
(j) 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; 
 
(l) 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; 
 


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(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 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; 
 
(o) 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. – Discrimination against any BHW by 
reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic 


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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 


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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 learnings of BHWs as well as to 
promote traditional and complementary medicine. 
 


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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”. 


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SEC. 21. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – 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,