Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Representative Giselle Mary L. Maceda 
EXPLANATORY NOTE  
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are unsung heroes in the health sector, 
playing a pivotal role in ensuring that public health services reach every corner of 
our communities. Their importance has been further highlighted during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, but their contributions extend far beyond just pandemic-
related tasks. Barangay Health Workers provide essential services such as 
administering first aid interventions at barangay health stations, assisting in the 
immunization of infants, children, and senior citizens, and ensuring that crucial 
health information and services are accessible to those in need. In addition to these 
tasks, BHWs also act as on-call first responders to health emergencies within their 
respective barangays, often serving as the first line of defense during health crises. 
It is disheartening to note that despite the extensive and sometimes perilous 
tasks entrusted to them, Barangay Health Workers are still considered voluntary 
workers. This means they are often deprived of the full range of benefits, 
incentives, and privileges that are rightfully due to public health professionals. 
BHWs rank the lowest among civil servants in terms of compensation, benefits, 
and privileges—an injustice that is long overdue for correction. 
This bill seeks to address these disparities by providing a comprehensive set 
of compensation, incentives, and other benefits that are long overdue. Through 
this measure, we aim to recognize the critical services BHWs render and ensure 
that they are duly compensated for their hard work and sacrifices. By improving 
their welfare, we not only show our gratitude but also encourage greater 
July 29, 2025
4:35 pm
2516


participation and sustained commitment to public health in the communities that 
need them the most. 
A similar initiative to address this concern was consolidated and filed as 
House Bill No. 6557 during the 19th Congress. Unfortunately, despite the efforts 
of many to pass this important legislation, it did not come to fruition. With this re-
filing of the bill in the 20th Congress, this representation is committed to ensuring 
that the nearly three decades-long wait for justice and recognition for Barangay 
Health Workers will finally come to an end. It is high time that our BHWs receive 
the benefits and dignity they deserve, and this bill aims to make that a reality. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
  REP. GISELLE MARY L. MACEDA 
 4th District, Manila City 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ________ 
Introduced by Representative Giselle Mary L. Maceda 
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. 
SECTION 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 the 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.  
SECTION 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. 
2516


 
SECTION 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 Section 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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 non-government organization (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 
orientation and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their 
application.  
 
 
SECTION 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; and 
 
(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 may be, 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 
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.  


 
 
SECTION 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 the 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 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 BHWs 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) 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;  
 
(j) Strengthening referral systems;  
 
(k) Collecting sputum;  
 
(l) Identifying people with disease and sickness;  
 
(m) 
Community health profiling;  
 
(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.  
 
 
SECTION 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 needs 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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) Month 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 the 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;  
 
(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 BHWs 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 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 
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; and 
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 concerned. For this purpose, the GSIS shall 
design an insurance benefit packaged 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 a 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 of continuous service 
as such: Provided, That should a BHW become a regular employee of the 
government, the total number of years served as such shall be credited 
to the BHW’s 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 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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.  
 
 


 
SECTION 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. 
 
 
SECTION 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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 or 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. 
 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
 


 
SECTION 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. – No BHW 
shall engage in any partisan political activity.  
 
 
SECTION 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 concerned shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their 
BHWs and other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and 
other government 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.  
 
 
SECTION 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 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. 
 
 
SECTION 19. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in 
accordance with law.  
 
 
SECTION 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”. 
 


 
SECTION 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 agencies, promulgate the rules and regulations to 
implement this Act not later than One hundred eighty (180) days from the 
effectivity of this Act.  
 
 
SECTION 22. Separability Clause. – If any portion or provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.  
 
 
SECTION 23. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the 
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” is hereby repealed. 
All other laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.  
 
 
SECTION 24. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,