NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1 
1
of Mtr f
23 FEB 21 P3 37
RECEiV'ID BV;__
Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In an article published in the Journal of International Health, it was discussed 
in the article that the Philippines was one of the first countries to adopt the primary 
health care (PHC) strategy in 1978 as a national strategy to deliver essential 
community health service related to the prevention and control of prevalent health 
problems, such as nutritional health promotion and education, maternal and child care, 
sanitation, and immunization through local health centers.1
Primary health care is defined as "essential health care" that is based on 
scientifically accepted methods and technology and provides universal health care to 
all individuals and families in a community.2 The cornerstones of Universal Health Care 
coverage are public health care and public health initiatives.3 In pursuing the goals of 
primary health care, the importance of services that is accessible, available, and 
affordable for the community has been emphasized.4
To bring health services to the basic political unit in the country, the 
government commissioned the Barangay Health Workers. They are usually non­
medical personnel, a resident of the area whose work capacity is initially assessed by
1 Journal of International Health Vol. 35 No. 1 2020 [ rAssessment of the role of community health volunteers in 
delivering primary health care in Manila, the Philippines
2 World Health Organization | Declaration of Aima-Ata International Conference on Primary Health Care | 
September 6-12,1978
3 World Health Organization | The World Health Report 2008: Primary Health Care Now More Than Ever | 
August 22, 2017
4 Social Science Medicine | Primary Health Care in the Philippines: Banking on the Barangays | Philips D.R. | 
1986


the physician and recommended for hiring as health volunteers. BHWs are employed 
and trained by the health office as barangay nutrition scholars (as community links of 
the service providers who care for the malnourished, mobilize/ assist the community 
and upkeep records / reports) and further trained to assist in specific health programs 
such as tuberculosis program, maternal and child health, immunization, educating the 
members of the community, as well as recording of health, hygiene and environmental 
profile of their barangay.5
However, despite the barangay health worker's critical role as frontliners of our 
country's community-based health interventions, BHWs continue to be a sector that 
suffers from unfair remuneration and a lack of benefits. Adding to the many problems 
that impede the delivery of effective healthcare to our people.
Napakalaki ng page! na ginagampanan ng ating mga barangay health workers 
at ang kanilang di matatawarang ambag, sa sektor ng pampubHkong kalusugan at sa 
pambansang kaunlaran, nararapat na ipakita ng pamahalaan ang kanyang 
pagpapahalaga sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabatas ng Magna Carta ng mga 
Barangay Health Workers na magsusulong ng kanilang kagalingan at magsisiguro ng 
kanilang mga karapatan.
This measure is a response to the call of the people from the public health 
sector to have a standardized allowance and benefits for our Barangay Health 
Workers. It seeks to recognize the invaluable contribution and sacrifices of our BHWs 
by introducing additional health benefits, compensation, incentives, free education 
and continuous training programs through a magna carta.
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
EL "LITO" M. LAPID
Senator
5 Department of Health | R.A. 7883: Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995 
www.doh.gov.ph
2


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1911
Ornate
of to? fer£rrtar|>
23 FEB 21 P3 37
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid
1 
AN ACT
2 
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:
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SECTION 1. Tide. — This Act shai! be known as the "Magna Carta ofBarangay
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Health Workers".
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SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
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State to protect and promote the right to health of people and adopt an integrated
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and comprehensive approach to health development, and pursuant thereto, it shall
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endeavor to make essential goods, healthcare and other social services available to all
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the people.
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In line with the country's commitment to meet health indicator targets under
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United Nations sustainable development goals, the State shall adopt policies that
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promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers who are the forefront
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of the delivery of heaith care at the grassroots level, and effectively harness their
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potential as partners in development.
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SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. -- As used in this Act, the term "barangay
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health worker"refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited
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government or non-government organization (NGO), and who voluntarily renders


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primary healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function
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as such by the local health board.
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SECTION 4. Coverage. — This Act shall apply to all barangay health workers
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(BHWs) as defined under Section 3 of this Act: Provided, That all incentives and
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benefits granted under this Act shall extend only to duly accredited BHWs, who have
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undergone at least two (2) years of training: Provided, however, That duly registered
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barangay health workers shall be entitled to a monthly honoraria and hazard allowance
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as provided in Sec. 9 herein: Provided, further. That when the BHW receives a fixed
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salary under a permanent appointment in any government office, by election to
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another public office or by employment in the private sector, coverage under this Act
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shall ipso facto cease as BHW shall be covered under applicable laws.
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SECTION 5. Registration. — All BHWs shall be registered with the local health
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board in the city or municipality in which tiiey render service. Registered BHWs shall
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be given appropriate proof of said registration. The municipal and city health offices
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shall regularly update and maintain the BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW
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Federation, The BHW Registry shall be subject to continuous review and approval of
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the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of the
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updated and duly approved registry to the Provincial Health Office for consolidation
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and vaiidation with the assistance of the Provincial BHW Federation, which shall also
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be subject to the approval of the Provincial Health Board. The Provincial BHW Registry
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shail be posted in the municipal or city bulletin board and barangay health centers.
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The Provincial BHW Registry shali be submitted on or before April 30 of every year to
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the Department of Health (DOH) at the regional and national levels for consolidation.
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The DOH is hereby mandated to maintain a national registry of BHWs.
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In order to qualify for registration, a Barangay Health Worker must:
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a. Have rendered basic community health care services continuously and
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satisfactorily for at least six (6) months immediately preceding the date
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of the filing of application for registration in the barangay as
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recommended by the Rural Health Midwife (RHM) or public health nurse


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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.
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It shall be the duty of the municipal and city health offices, in cooperation with
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the Provincial Health Office and the DOH, to provide BHW applicants basic orientation
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and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their application.
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SECTION 6. Accreditation. - To further professionalize the health care services
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rendered by the BHWs and ensure the health and welfare of the community, a duly
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registered BHW must be accredited by the municipal or city health board.
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The municipal or city health board shall issue a certificate of accreditation to
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qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must:
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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).
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It shall be the duty of the municipal or city government, as the case maybe, in
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cooperation with the provincial government and DOH, to provide the applicant BHWs
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the necessary support and opportunities for accreditation.
,3


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A BHW must complete the regular training program on health care service and
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community-based heaith program within five (5) years from registration.
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The municipal and city health boards or through their registration and
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accreditation committee shall act on the applications for accreditation of BHWs not
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than later thirty (30) days from the date of application.
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The DOH shall also maintain an updated roster of accredited BHWs that is
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accessible to the general public.
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SECTION 7. Roles, and Duties and Responsibilities of Barangay Health
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Workers. — As one of the key partners in a reformed health care delivery system, the
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DOH and LGUs shall support BHWs as they perform the following roles:
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a. Advocate - to support, promote and champion current heaith programs,
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projects, and activities to improve access to quality health services
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towards the improved health status of the community;
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b. Educator - to guide and advise the community on the current DOH and
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health priorities of LGUs such as the importance of a birth plan and
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facility-based delivery in reducing maternai and infant deaths; newborn
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screening for the eariy detection of congenitai metabolic disorders which
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may leads to mental retardation and even death, among others;
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c. Disseminator - to maintain reguiar communication with local professional
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health workers on health events and updates and concerns relevant to
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the community and inform the same to the community for appropriate
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action, if necessary;
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d. Linker - to facilitate access to any group or association of the community
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with a relevant network of or specific health and non-health service
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providers;
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e. Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health
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activities and events in the community;
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f. Health Care Service Provider - to assist and provide basic health care
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services as may be needed in the community in any health event.


The BHW shall perform the following duties and responsibilities:
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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;
0. 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.
23 
SECTION 8. Number of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs). — Subject to
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relevant laws, and in coordination with relevant government agencies and respective
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local government units, the number of BHWs in every barangay shall be guided by
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and based on the particular need of the barangay for BHW services.
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The DOH shall determine the ideal ratio of barangay health workers to the
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number of households: Provided, That the total number of barangay health workers
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nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population.


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The residents of the barangay must be given preference in the employment of
2 
BHWs.
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SECTION 9. Incentives and Bene fits. — All accredited BHWs who are actively
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and regularly performing their duties and responsibilities shall be entitled to the
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following incentives and benefits:
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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 LCD concerned, which in no case shall be less than One 
thousand pesos (PI,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 LCD concerned. Which in no case shall 
be less than One hundred pesos (PIOO.OO) 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 BMW'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 BMW'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 a!1 the items enumerated under Section 4(a) 
of Republic Act No. 9994, otherwise known as the Expanded Senior


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Citizens Act of 2010: Provided, That the priviieges 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 DON 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 foilowing:
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.
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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 v/ith existing laws and practices;
k. Cash Gift— All accredited BHVi./s 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


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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;
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 LCDs concerned shall also 
endeavor to provide other health benefits to BHWs not otherwise provided 
by law.
19 
SECTION 10. Annual Review. — The local health boards shall conduct an
20 
annual review of the BHW program, performance, as well as the benefits, incentives
21 
and allowances enumerated in the immediately preceding Section taking into
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consideration the current consumer price index as published by the Philippine Statistics
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Authority.
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SECTION 11. Discrimination Prohibited. — Discrimination against any BHW by
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reason of gender, civil status, creed, religious, or political beliefs and ethnic groupings
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in the exercise of their functions and responsibilities is hereby prohibited.
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SECTION 12. Protection of BHWs. — No accredited BHW shall be removed
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except for a valid cause as determined by the Local Health Board (LHB). The LHB shall
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resolve termination cases against BHWs judiciously and not later than ninety (90) days
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from the receipt of a complaint: Provided, That if a BHW is found to be unjustly
9


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removed from service, the BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of
2 
benefits and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of reinstatement.
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SECTION 13. Grievance Mechanism. — The LHB shall establish a grievance
4 
mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts of
5 
discrimination and unjust removal from the service. The decisions rendered by the
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LHB shall be final and executory.
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SECTION 14. Municipal, City, Provincial, and National Federation of BHWs. —
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There shall be an organization of accredited BHWs for the purpose of electing the
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municipal, city, provinciai, and national-level federation in order to ventilate, articulate,
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and crystalize issues affecting health care delivery system and with utmost regard to
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service to patients and the continuous operation of barangay health services in the
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interest of public health, safety, or survival of patients.
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The BHW federation for municipalities, cities, and provinces shall elect their
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respective local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers to
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comprise the national board of directors to be headed by a president. A Secretary-
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General shall be chosen from among the national federation members to manage the
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day-to-day operation and activities of the federation. The respective boards of
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directors may create such other positions as may be necessary for the management
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of the affairs of the local and national federation.
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SECTION 15. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health
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Care Provider Network. — The President of the municipal or city federation of BHWs
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shall be a member of the municipal or city local health board. The respective
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presidents of the federation of BHWs of each city and municipality federation of a
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province shall elect from among themselves their representative to the provincial
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health board: Provided, That the BHW representatives to the local health boards shall
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not be allowed to vote on the registration, accreditation, and disciplinary or removal
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complaints of BHWs.
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The BHWs shall also be part of the health care provider network, in the
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implementation of health care services and programs.
10


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SECTION 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Poiiticai Activity. — No
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BHW shall engage in any partisan political activity.
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SECTION 17. Continuous Capacity Buiiding for BHWs. — The DOH shall
4 
conduct continuous capacity building for BHWs that will enhance and upgrade their
5 
knowledge and skills through various forms including online learning and multimedia
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in major Philippine dialects
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The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies,
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assist the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials to promote the
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collective experiences and learnings of BHWs as well as to promote traditional and
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complementary medicine.
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The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for their BHWs
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and other health workers in coordination with the TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies
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concerned.
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The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow
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them to benefit from the ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968,
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otherwise known as the Philippine Qualification Framework Act, and Republic Act No.
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10647, otherwise known as the Ladderized Education Act of 2014, including academic
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credits for health-related courses.
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SECTION 18. Observance of BHW Day. — Every barangay shall commemorate
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BHW Day during April 7 of every year in recognition of the service of Barangay Health
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Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in
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promoting health and wellness among the citizenry.
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The DOH, in cooperation with the Department of the Interior and Local
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Government (DILG) and all local government units shall hold simple ceremonies or
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activities to highlight the indispensable role of BHWs in nation-building.
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SECTION 19. Annua!Report. — The Local Government Unit shall prepare and
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submit an annual report to the Office of the President, through the DILG, containing
11


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the list of accomplishments, status of the operations and program implementation of
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this Act.
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SECTION 20. Joint Congressional Oversight Committee. — There shall be a 
Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on the Magna Carta of Barangay Health 
Workers, which shall be jointly chaired by the Chairpersons of the Committees on 
Local Government of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It shall be 
composed of the Chairpersons of the Senate Committees on Health and Demography, 
and Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, the Chairpersons of the Committees 
on Health, and Higher and Technical Education of the House of Representatives, and 
two (2) Members from each House representing the minority who shall be appointed 
by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
SECTION 21. Penalty Clause. — Any local government official who violates 
any provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance 
with law.
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SECTION 22. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the
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implementation of this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment of the
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LGUs, other local funds, the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223,
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otherwise known as the "Universal Health Care Act".
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SECTION 23. Implementing Rules and Regulation. — The DOH and the DILG
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shall, in consultation with the DepEd, CSC, GSIS, and other concerned government
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agencies and non- governmental entities, promulgate the rules and regulations to
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implement this Act not later than One hundred eighty (180) days from the effectivity
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of this Act.
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SECTION 24. Separability Clause. — If any portion or provision of this Act is
25 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions hereof shall remain in full force
26 
and effect.
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SECTION 25. Repealing Clause. — Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known
28 
as the "Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995" is hereby
12


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repealed. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations, which are
2 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly.
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SECTION 26. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.
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Approved,
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