EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No. 2054
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
P
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AN ACT 
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DECLARING APRIL 7 OF EVERY YEAR AS BARANGAY HEALTH AND NUTRITION 
WORKERS DAY 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE
Primary health care is an Integral part of our national health system. It is based on 
"practical, scientifically sound and socially acceptable methods and technology made 
universally accessible to Individuals and families in the community at every stage of their 
development" Its functions and focus contribute to the overall social and economic 
development of the community (Alma-Ata Declaration, 1978)1.
In our communities, and for decades, our Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and 
Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) have been at the forefront of delivering primary health 
care and nutrition services. They served as the first contact of Individuals and families to 
our national health system. They complement our cadres of medical and health 
professionals, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and 
remote communities.
With the country's continuing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the 
risk of exposure to infection, our BHWs and BNS play an essential role in ensuring 
continuity in the delivery of primary health care and nutrition services and In bridging the 
national-local COVID-19 response to the communities through health and nutrition 
promotion and education.
In recognition of our BHWs and’BNS's role and contribution, this bill seeks to 
declare April 7 of every year, which is marked and celebrated globally as World Health 
Day, as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day. It alms to promote and emphasize 
the role of our community health and nutrition workers and volunteers In addressing 
health and nutrition issues and in delivering appropriate services.
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought, para sa kalusugan at 
nutrisyon ng barangay.
RISA HONTIVEROS^ 
Senator
1 https://www.who.int/publications/almaata_declaralion_cn.pdf


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2054
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS
FILED
I NOE
AN ACT
DECLARING APRIL 7 OF EVERY YEAR AS BARANGAY HEALTH AND NUTRITION 
WORKERS DAY
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short We. - This Act shall be known as the "Barangay Health and
2 
Nutrition Workers' Day Act."
3 
Sec. 2. Dedaration of Policy. - The State recognizes the vital role of the barangay
4 
health workers (BHWs) and barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) in realizing the right to
5 
health of individuals and families in the community.
6 
It also recognizes barangay health and nutrition workers' contributions In the delivery and
7 
continuity of primary health care and nutrition services.
8 
It also encourages the promotion of wellness and well-being of barangay health and
9 
nutrition workers and volunteers as an integral part of our health system and its human
10 
resource.
11 
Sec. 3. Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day. - The seventh (7th) day of
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April of every year is hereby declared as Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day.
13 
To ensure meaningful observance of this day as herein declared, all national government
14 
agencies and its instrumentalities, local government units in the country, including private
15 
and non-government organizations, are encouraged to organize, participate and engage
16 
In ceremonies or activities in their localities, communities, offices or establishments.
17 
Sec. 4. Lead Agendas. - The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of
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Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the national organization of
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barangay health and nutrition workers, shall be the lead agencies In charge of the
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coordination of the preparation and implementation of activities and advocacy campaign
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for the observance of the "Barangay Health and Nutrition Workers Day."
22 
Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DOH, In coordination with the
23 
DILG and consultation with barangay health nutrition workers' organizations, shall
1


1 
promulgate the necessary Implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from
2 
the effectivlty of this Act.
3 
Sec. 6. Effectivlty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
4 
In the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation., whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,