Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 4289
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the State to “protect and promote the right 
to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them” (Article II, Section 15) 
and to “make essential goods, health and other social services available to all the people at 
affordable cost” (Article XIII, Section 11). It likewise recognizes the need to provide adequate 
social services, promote full employment, and guarantee protection to workers (Article II, 
Section 9 and Article XIII, Section 3). 
In pursuit of these constitutional mandates, Republic Act No. 7883 or the 
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995,” which recognized the vital 
role of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the delivery of primary health care at the 
community level was enacted. However, three decades since its passage, RA No. 7883 has 
become inadequate in addressing the evolving needs of BHWs as well as the health 
challenges of the present time. 
BHWs play a critical role in achieving universal healthcare and community well-being. 
They bridge the gap between formal health institutions and the grassroots, assisting in health 
education, disease prevention, maternal and child care, immunization campaigns, data 
gathering, and disaster response operations. The value of their contributions became 
especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, many continue to receive 
minimal or irregular honoraria, inadequate health and social protection, and limited access to 
training and career development opportunities. Studies, such as the one conducted by the 
Ateneo de Manila University, have shown that BHWs themselves highlight the importance of 
receiving adequate financial support and access to continuous training in order to enhance 
their competence and boost their confidence in carrying out their wide-ranging 
responsibilities.1 Similarly, a study published in Acta Medica Philippina (University of the 
Philippines Manila) found that BHWs remain largely undervalued in the health value chain, as 
they are often treated as least priority or merely as volunteers rather than regular workers. As 
a result, they receive only honoraria or allowances, which are unstandardized, insufficient, and 
frequently delayed.2 
Hence, this bill seeks to establish a Magna Carta for BHWs, which not only 
institutionalizes their registration and accreditation and defines their roles and responsibilities, 
1 Advincula-Lopez, L. V., Baliola, M. Y. T., & Golpe, M. R. (2024).Gains and challenges of the Barangay Health Worker (BHW) 
program during COVID-19 in selected cities in the Philippines. Ateneo de Manila University. https://archium.ateneo.edu/dev-
stud-faculty-pubs/133/ 
2 Hartigan-Go, K. Y., Prieto, M. L. M., & Valenzuela, S. A. (2025). Important but neglected: A qualitative study on the lived 
experiences of Barangay Health Workers in the Philippines. Acta Medica Philippina. 
https://actamedicaphilippina.upm.edu.ph/index.php/acta/article/view/9589/6761 
4:07 pm
September 2, 2025


but also their incentives and benefits including honoraria, hazard allowance, subsistence and 
transportation allowances, health insurance, educational opportunities, civil service eligibility, 
and free legal services, among others. 
This proposal not only aids the socio-economic wellbeing of the BHWs but also affirms 
the State’s mandates to guarantee the efficient delivery of primary healthcare in our 
communities. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. VINCENZO RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE 
HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 4289 
Introduced by HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. VINCENZO 
RENATO LUIGI R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA, AND 
HON. TERRY L. RIDON 
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: 
CHAPTER 1 
TITLE, DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, AND OBJECTIVES 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta for 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 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 of Terms. — 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. 
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 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. 
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 (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; 
 
(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 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, 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 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; and 
 
(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) 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 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.  
 
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) 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; 
 
(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 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; 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 
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; 
 
(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; and 
 
(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 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. 
 
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 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. 
 
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 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. 
 
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 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. 
 
SECTION 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. 
 
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 laws, decrees, 
executive orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed 
or amended or accordingly. 
 
SECTION 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,