Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 785 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Barangay Health Workers (“BHWs”) play a critical role in delivering primary 
health care services at the grassroots level. As frontliners in promoting health, 
wellness, and community resilience, their contributions are vital to the realization of 
the commitment of the State to universal health care and the United Nations 
Sustainable Development Goals. 
Despite their indispensable role, BHWs often lack adequate support, 
protection, and recognition. This bill seeks to address that gap by providing a 
comprehensive policy framework that ensures fair compensation, access to benefits, 
professional development, legal protection, and representation in local health 
governance structures. 
The proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers institutionalizes their 
status as essential partners in health care delivery, strengthens their rights and 
welfare, and supports the development of a capable, resilient, and community-based 
health workforce. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 ATTY. MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
July 1, 2025
12:57 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 785 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE MERCEDES K. ALVAREZ, MNSA 
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 
1 
Health Workers". 
2 
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
4 
protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated and 
5 
comprehensive approach to health development, and pursuant thereto, it shall 
6 
endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare, and other social services available to all 
7 
the people.  
8 
9 
In line with the commitment of the Philippines to accomplish health indicator 
10 
targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the State shall 
11 
adopt policies that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers 
12 
who are the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level and 
13 
effectively harness their potential as partners in development. 
14 
15 
16 


Sec. 3. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers 
1 
(“BHWs”) as defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and 
2 
benefits granted under this Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have 
3 
undergone at least two (2) years of training: Provided, however, That duly registered 
4 
barangay health workers shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria and hazard 
5 
allowance as provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further, That when the BHW 
6 
receives a fixed salary under a permanent appointment in any government office, by 
7 
election to another public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage 
8 
under this Act shall automatically cease and the BHW shall be covered under 
9 
applicable laws. 
10 
 
11 
As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” refers to a person who 
12 
has undergone training under any accredited government or non-government 
13 
organization (“NGO”), and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the 
14 
community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health board. 
15 
 
16 
Sec. 4. Registration. – All BHWs shall be registered with the local health board 
17 
in the city or municipality in which they render service. Registered BHWs shall be 
18 
given appropriate proof of said registration.  
19 
 
20 
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly update and maintain the 
21 
BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation. The BHW Registry shall be 
22 
subject to the approval of the municipal or city health board. The local health offices 
23 
shall submit a copy of the updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health 
24 
Office for consolidation and validation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW 
25 
Federation, which shall also be subject to the approval of the Provincial Health Board. 
26 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be posted in the municipal or city bulletin board 
27 
and barangay health centers. 
28 
 
29 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every 
30 
year to the Department of Health (“DOH”) at the regional and national levels for 
31 
consolidation. The DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs. 
32 
 
33 
In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must: 
34 


 
1 
a) Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and 
2 
satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date 
3 
of the filing of application for registration in the barangay as 
4 
recommended by the Rural Health Midwife (“RHM”) or public health 
5 
nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay health 
6 
workers association and certified by the Sangguniang Barangay; 
7 
 
8 
b) Have completed the basic orientation and training for BHWs as 
9 
prescribed by the DOH and conducted by an accredited government 
10 
agency, or DOH-recognized academic institution, or NGO; 
11 
 
12 
c) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the 
13 
application for registration; and 
14 
 
15 
d) Be physically and mentally fit. 
16 
 
17 
It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with 
18 
the Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic 
19 
orientation and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their 
20 
application. 
21 
 
22 
Sec. 5. Accreditation. To further professionalize the health care services 
23 
rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly 
24 
registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board. 
25 
 
26 
The municipal or city health board shall issue a certificate of accreditation to 
27 
qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must: 
28 
 
29 
a) Be registered in accordance with Section 5 hereof; 
30 
 
31 
b) Have satisfactorily undertaken the role of a BHW in the locality as 
32 
provided for in Section 7 hereof, for at least two (2) years of continuous 
33 


and satisfactory service immediately prior to the filing of application for 
1 
accreditation; and 
2 
 
3 
c) Have completed a regular training program on health care service and 
4 
community-based health program in order to upgrade and develop the 
5 
skills and competency required of a BHW. The training program shall be 
6 
institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local government 
7 
units (“LGUs”). 
8 
 
9 
It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in 
10 
cooperation with the provincial government and DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs 
11 
the necessary support and opportunities for accreditation. 
12 
 
13 
A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and 
14 
community-based health program within five (5) years from registration. 
15 
 
16 
The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and 
17 
accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not 
18 
than later thirty (30) days from the date of application. 
19 
 
20 
The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is 
21 
accessible to the general public. 
22 
 
23 
Sec. 6. Roles, Duties, and Responsibilities of Barangay Health Workers. As one 
24 
of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the DOH and LGUs shall 
25 
support BHWs as they perform the following roles: 
26 
 
27 
a) Advocate – support, promote, and champion current health programs, 
28 
projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services 
29 
towards the improved health status of the community; 
30 
 
31 
b) Educator –guide and advise the community on the current DOH and 
32 
health priorities of LGUs such as the importance of a birth plan and 
33 
facility-based delivery in the in reducing maternal and infant deaths; 
34 


newborn screening for the early detection of congenital metabolic 
1 
disorders which may lead to mental retardation and even death, among 
2 
others; 
3 
 
4 
c) Disseminator – maintain regular communication with local professional 
5 
health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to 
6 
the community and inform the same top the community for appropriate 
7 
action, if necessary; 
8 
 
9 
d) Linker – facilitate access to any group or association of the community 
10 
with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health service 
11 
providers; 
12 
 
13 
e) Record Keeper – maintain updated records of health data, health 
14 
activities, and events in the community; and 
15 
 
16 
f) Health Care Service Provider – assist and provide basic health care 
17 
services as may be needed in the community in any health event; 
18 
 
19 
Sec. 7. Number of Barangay Health Workers. – Subject to relevant laws, and 
20 
in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective local government 
21 
units, the number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by and based on the 
22 
particular need of the barangay for BHW services. 
23 
 
24 
The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the 
25 
number of households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers 
26 
nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population. 
27 
 
28 
The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of 
29 
BHWs. 
30 
 
31 
Sec. 8. Incentives and Benefits. – All accredited BHWs who are actively and 
32 
regularly performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the following 
33 
incentives and benefits: 
34 


 
1 
a) Monthly Honoraria – in the amount of not less than Three thousand 
2 
pesos (P3,000.00), subject to adjustment based on the prevailing 
3 
market value; 
4 
 
5 
b) Hazard Allowance – in an amount to be determined by the local 
6 
health board of LGU concerned, which in no case shall be less than 
7 
One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to existing laws, 
8 
rules, and regulations; 
9 
 
10 
c) Subsistence Allowance – equivalent to the meals they take in the 
11 
course of their duty, which shall be computed in accordance with 
12 
prevailing conditions as determined by the LGU concerned, which in 
13 
no case shall be less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) per day: 
14 
Provided, That the accredited BHW shall render service within the 
15 
premises of isolated barangay health stations in order to make it 
16 
available at any and all times; 
17 
 
18 
d) Transportation Allowance – not less than One thousand pesos 
19 
(P1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations, on 
20 
the condition that the availment of transportation services are in line 
21 
with the performance of the official duties and responsibilities of the 
22 
BHWs; 
23 
 
24 
e) One-Time Gratuity Cash Incentive – not less than Ten thousand 
25 
pesos (P10,000.00) in recognition of the loyalty and dedicationof the 
26 
BHWS and for having continuously and satisfactorily served for at 
27 
least fifteen (15) years; 
28 
 
29 
f) Discount Privileges – for all BHWs who are entitled to twenty percent 
30 
(20%) discount on all the items enumerated under Section 4(a) of 
31 
Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior 
32 
Citizens Act of 2010: Provided, That the privileges shall not be 
33 


claimed if the BHW is eligible for a higher discount as may be granted 
1 
by the commercial establishment and/or other existing laws. 
2 
 
3 
The commercial establishment may claim the discount granted under 
4 
this section as tax deduction based on the cost of goods sold or 
5 
services rendered: Provided, That the discount shall be allowed as 
6 
deduction from the gross income for the same taxable year that the 
7 
discount is granted: Provided further, That the total amount of the 
8 
claimed tax deduction net of VAT, if applicable, shall be included in 
9 
their gross sales receipt for tax purposes and shall be subject to 
10 
proper documentation and to the provisions of the National Internal 
11 
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. 
12 
 
13 
g) Training, Education, and Career Enrichment Programs – The DOH 
14 
shall, in coordination with the Department of Education (“DepEd”), 
15 
Commission on Higher Education (“CHED”), Technical Education 
16 
and Skills Development Authority (“TESDA”), DOH-recognized 
17 
academic 
institutions, 
other 
concerned 
agencies 
and 
non-
18 
government 
organizations, 
provide 
information 
on 
and 
19 
opportunities for education and career enrichment for accredited 
20 
BHWs; 
21 
 
22 
h) Health Benefits – such as free medical care, emergency assistance, 
23 
and mandatory and immediate membership in the Philippine Health 
24 
Insurance Corporation as indirect contributors; 
25 
 
26 
i) Insurance Coverage – All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage 
27 
and benefits from the Government Service Insurance System 
28 
(“GSIS”) which shall be borne by the LGU concerned. For this 
29 
purpose, the GSIS shall design an insurance benefit package suited 
30 
to the needs and status of BHWs; 
31 
 
32 
j) Sick and Maternity Leaves – All BHWs shall be entitled to sick and 
33 
maternity leaves as prescribed by the Local Health Board: Provided, 
34 


That, the BHWs shall continue to receive their monthly honoraria 
1 
while on leave, for such period in accordance with existing laws and 
2 
practices; 
3 
 
4 
k) Cash Gift – All accredited BHWs are entitled to cash gift of not less 
5 
than the minimum monthly honoraria to be given every December 
6 
from the general fund of the barangay or from such other funds 
7 
appropriated by the national government for the purpose; 
8 
 
9 
l) Disability Benefit – An accredited BHW who sustains injury or 
10 
sickness in the course of the performance of their duties shall be 
11 
entitled to Two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) for every year of service; 
12 
 
13 
m) Civil Service Eligibility – A second grade eligibility shall be granted 
14 
to accredited BHWs who have rendered five (5) years continuous 
15 
service as such: Provided, That, should a BHW become a regular 
16 
employee of the government, the total numbers of years served as 
17 
such shall be credited to the BHWs service in computing th 
18 
retirement benefits; 
19 
 
20 
n) Free Legal Services – Legal representation and consultation services 
21 
shall be immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to an 
22 
accredited BHW in cases of coercion, interference, and in other civil 
23 
and criminal cases filed by or against BHWs arising out of or in 
24 
connection with the performance of their duties as such; and 
25 
 
26 
o) Preferential Access to Loan – The DOH in coordination with other 
27 
concerned government agencies shall provide, within one hundred 
28 
eighty (180) days after the effectivity of this Act, a mechanism that 
29 
shall provide BHWs organized access to loan services. The agencies 
30 
providing loan services will set aside one percent (1%) of their 
31 
loanable funds for organized BHW groups that have community-
32 
based income generating projects in support of health programs or 
33 
activities. 
34 


Notwithstanding the limitations under this section, all registered 
1 
BHWs shall be entitled to monthly honoraria and hazard allowance. 
2 
 
3 
The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health 
4 
benefits to BHWs not otherwise provided by law. 
5 
 
6 
Sec. 9. Annual Review. – The local health boards shall conduct an annual 
7 
review of the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives and 
8 
allowances enumerated in the immediately preceding Section taking into 
9 
consideration the current consumer price index as published by the Philippine 
10 
Statistics Authority. 
11 
 
12 
Sec. 10. Prohibition on Discrimination. – Discrimination against any BHW by 
13 
reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic groupings 
14 
in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited. 
15 
 
16 
Sec. 11. Protection of Barangay Health Workers. – No accredited BHW shall 
17 
be removed except for a valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (“LHB”). 
18 
The LHB shall resolve termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than 
19 
ninety (90) days from the receipt of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to 
20 
be unjustly removed from service, the BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without 
21 
loss of benefits and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of 
22 
reinstatement. 
23 
 
24 
Sec. 12. Grievance Mechanism. – The LHB shall establish a grievance 
25 
mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of 
26 
discrimination and unjust removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the 
27 
LHB shall be final and executory. 
28 
 
29 
Sec. 13. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of Barangay 
30 
Health Workers. – There shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose 
31 
of electing the municipal, city, provincial, and national-level federation in order to 
32 
ventilate, articulate, and crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and 
33 


with utmost regard to service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay 
1 
health services in the interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients. 
2 
 
3 
The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their 
4 
respective local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to 
5 
comprise the national board of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-
6 
General shall be chosen from among the national federation members to manage the 
7 
day-to-day operation and activities of the federation. The respective boards of 
8 
directors may create such other positions as may be necessary for the management of 
9 
the affairs of the local and national federation. 
10 
 
11 
Sec. 14. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care 
12 
Provider Network. – The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs shall 
13 
be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The respective presidents of 
14 
the federation of BHWs of each city and municipality federation of a province shall 
15 
elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial health board: 
16 
Provided, That the BHW representatives to the local health boards shall not be allowed 
17 
to vote on the registration, accreditation, and disciplinary or removal complaints of 
18 
BHWs. 
19 
 
20 
The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network, in the 
21 
implementation of health care services and programs. 
22 
 
23 
Sec. 15. Prohibition on Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. – No BHW shall 
24 
engage in any partisan political activity. 
25 
 
26 
Sec. 16. Continuous Capacity Building. – The DOH shall conduct continuous 
27 
capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their knowledge and skills 
28 
through various forms including online learning and multimedia in major Philippine 
29 
dialects. 
30 
 
31 
The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, 
32 
assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the 
33 


collective experiences and learnings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and 
1 
complementary medicine. 
2 
 
3 
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs 
4 
and other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies 
5 
concerned. 
6 
 
7 
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will 
8 
allow them to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 
9 
10968, otherwise known as the Philippine Qualifications Framework Act, and 
10 
Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, 
11 
including academic credits for health-related courses. 
12 
 
13 
Sec. 17. Observance of Barangay Health Workers Day. – Every barangay shall 
14 
commemorate BHW Day during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of 
15 
Barangay Health Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their 
16 
indispensable role in promoting health and wellness among the citizenry. 
17 
 
18 
The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local 
19 
Government (“DILG”) and all local government unitsshall hold simple ceremonies or 
20 
activities to highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building. 
21 
 
22 
Sec. 18. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any 
23 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance 
24 
with law. 
25 
 
26 
Sec. 19. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of this 
27 
Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the LGUs, other local funds, 
28 
the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as the 
29 
“Universal Health Care Act”. 
30 
 
31 
Sec. 20. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DOH and DILG, in  
32 
consultation with the DepEd, GSIS and other concerned government agencies and 
33 
non-governmental entities, shall promulgate, not later than one hundred eighty days 
34 


(180) days upon the effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations for its 
1 
effective implementation: Provided, That the failure to promulgate such rules and 
2 
regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity. 
3 
 
4 
Sec. 21. Separability Clause – . If any part or provision of this Act is declared 
5 
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts of this Act or any provision not 
6 
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
7 
 
8 
Sec. 22. Repealing Clause. –  Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the 
9 
Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995 is hereby repealed. All 
10 
laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with this 
11 
Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly. 
12 
 
13 
Sec. 23. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
14 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation in the 
15 
Philippines. 
16 
 
Approved,