Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1926 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE HEALTH EMERGENCY AUXILIARY REINFORCEMENT TEAM 
UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFORE  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed grave vulnerabilities in the Philippine public health 
infrastructure, revealing our health system’s unpreparedness to respond swiftly and effectively to 
nationwide health emergencies. While many frontliners valiantly responded to the crisis, the 
country faced a shortage of health personnel, logistical delays, and bureaucratic bottlenecks—
impairing our ability to deliver urgent healthcare services. A glaring example of this was the 
delayed hazard pay and special risk allowances for health workers, leading to widespread 
demoralization and protests during the height of the pandemic.1 In April 2021, reports emerged 
that some hospitals in Metro Manila were forced to turn away patients due to full capacity and 
insufficient staff, as COVID-19 cases surged to over 15,000 daily. 2 
This bill seeks to establish a Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team (HEART) 
under the Department of Health—a trained, organized, and readily deployable medical reserve 
force composed of volunteers from the fields of medicine, nursing, medical technology, allied 
health, and community health support. The HEART shall function as a surge workforce that can 
1 www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2021/8/30/Health-workers-hazard-pay-SRA-delays.html 
2 https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/hundreds-philippine-hospitals-near-full-capacity-virus-cases-surge-2021-08-09/ 
July 15, 2025
4:45 pm


be swiftly mobilized during public health emergencies, disasters, and health threats, thereby 
addressing the critical gaps in our emergency health response capacity. 
The HEART program will not only enhance national health emergency readiness but also 
promote volunteerism, resilience, and community empowerment. Volunteers, including retired 
health professionals, graduates of health-related courses, and even barangay health workers, will 
be trained in emergency medical response, and upon mobilization, shall receive appropriate 
allowances and legal protections. 
In an age where pandemics and large-scale disasters are no longer rare, preparedness must 
become a national priority. The creation of HEART institutionalizes a strategic, timely, and 
efficient public health emergency workforce and ensures that no Filipino is left behind during a 
health crisis. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1926 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
CREATING THE HEALTH EMERGENCY AUXILIARY REINFORCEMENT TEAM 
UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFORE 
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 “Health Emergency Auxiliary 
Reinforcement Team (HEART)” Act. 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – Article II, Section 15 of the Constitution enjoins the State 
to protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among 
them. Article XIII, Section 11 also provides for the adoption of an integrated and comprehensive 
approach to health development. The State further reiterates its commitment to the Sustainable 
Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which calls on the State to ensure healthy lives 
and promote the well-being of Filipinos at all ages.  
The State recognizes the need for a reserve force of highly skilled and health-oriented 
professionals and volunteers who can be mobilized to maintain the capacity to meet surges in the 
demand for additional manpower in the country’s healthcare system and provide assistance as 
needed in times of health crises.  
Pursuant to this, it is the policy of the State to: 


Prioritize the health of its citizens whether in the country or overseas by maintaining a 
strong and resilient healthcare system at all times that will immediately, efficiently, and effectively 
address all potential and actual public health emergencies; and  
 
Promote the spirit of “Bayanihan” and enhance the capacity of the nation to expand its 
human health resources in times of disasters, public health emergencies and health threats of both 
national and local scale through the mobilization of the Health Emergency Auxiliary 
Reinforcement Team. 
 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. –  As used in this Act: 
  
A. Allied health professionals refer to professions who are involved with the delivery 
of health or related services such as the identification, evaluation and prevention of 
diseases and disorders, dietary and nutrition services, and rehabilitation and health 
systems management. Allied health professionals, shall include, among others, 
dental hygienists, 
diagnostic medical 
sonographers, dietitians, medical 
technologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, radiographers, 
respiratory therapists, and speech language pathologists;  
 
B. Bayanihan refers to the value of communal unity through helping others to achieve 
a certain goal without expecting anything in return;  
 
C. Deployment refers to the actual movement of workforce to the assigned area within 
a prescribed period; 
 
D. Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team refers to a group of individual 
volunteers who are in the field of medicine, nursing, medical technology, and other 
allied health-related fields who are ready to be deployed to complement the health 
workforce in the event of a public health emergency and health threat; 
 
E. Health threat refers to a condition, agent, or incident that greatly impacts the health 
that leads to disease, accident, injury, and loss of life; 
 
F. Mobilization refers to the process and procedures for activating, assembling, and 
transporting the needed health workforce to respond to a public health emergency 
and health threat; 
 
G. Mobilization center refers to the establishment where the Health Emergency 
Auxiliary Reinforcement Team shall report upon receipt of the order for 


mobilization, coordinate their mission order and mobilization-related issues and 
concerns, and submit their report upon receipt of the order for demobilization; 
 
H. Public health emergency refers to an occurrence that poses an imminent threat of 
an illness or health condition as defined in Republic Act No. 11332, otherwise 
known as Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public 
Health Concern Act, that:  
 
1. Is caused by any of the following:  
a. Bio terrorism;  
b. Appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated 
infectious agent or biological toxin;  
c. A natural disaster;  
d. A chemical attack or accidental release; 
e. A nuclear attack or accident; or 
f. An attack or accidental release of radioactive materials; and  
 
2. Poses a high probability of any of the following:  
a. A large number of deaths in the affected population;  
b. A large number of serious injuries or long-term disabilities in 
the affected population;  
c. Widespread exposure to an infectious or toxic agent that poses a 
significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people 
in the affected population;  
d. International exposure to an infectious or toxic agent that poses 
a significant risk to the health of citizens; or  
e. Trade and travel restrictions  
 
 
I. Volunteers refer to those who freely register to be members of the HEART. 
 
 
SEC. 4. Scope. – This Act provides for the organization of the Health Emergency Auxiliary 
Reinforcement Team, hereinafter referred to as the HEART, the development of policies, plans, 
guidelines, and the implementation of actions pertaining to the mobilization, services, and 
protection of the HEART in times of disasters, public health emergencies and health threats.  
 
SEC. 5. Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team. – There is hereby established 
a HEART under the Department of Health (DOH) to augment the health workforce in times of 
disasters, public health emergencies and health threats. The HEART shall be composed of the 
following individuals who shall voluntarily register with the DOH:  


  
A. Licensed professionals in the fields of medicine, nursing, medical technology, and 
other allied health fields including those who are retired and those who are no 
longer practicing their professions in a health facility setting. All health and allied 
health professional organizations may be tapped for the engagement of 
professionals who are not affiliated  in any healthcare facility;  
 
B. Graduates of medicine and allied health courses and medical students who have  
completed a one-year medical internship and who have not yet been issued licenses 
to practice their respective professions, but due to the need for their services may 
be issued a limited and special authorization to render medical services during 
public health emergencies or health threats pursuant to Republic Act No. 2382, 
otherwise known as the Medical Act of 1959 or as may be amended hereafter; and  
 
C. Other health support workforce, including barangay health workers, whose services 
are necessary in times of disasters, public health emergencies and health threats. 
 
 
SEC. 6. The Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team Promotion Program. – 
There is hereby established the Health Emergency Auxiliary Reinforcement Team Promotion 
Program, which shall refer to the comprehensive set of objectives, targets, strategies and activities 
for the promotion, recruitment and selection of reserve force of highly skilled and health-oriented 
professionals and volunteers. 
 
It shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas of concern: the provision of 
initiatives that shall underscore the importance of volunteerism to improve the health and safety 
of communities; the utilization of medical reserves pool who want to donate their time and 
expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to support ongoing preparedness 
initiatives; and the building of partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of the HEART with the 
end goal of maintaining its capacity to meet surges in the demand for healthcare system and 
provide assistance in times of public emergencies. 
        
SEC. 7. Creation of the HEART Board. - A HEART Board, hereinafter referred to as 
Board, is hereby created to ensure efficient and effective mobilization of the HEART. It shall be 
chaired by the Department of Health (DOH) and composed of representatives of the following, as 
members: 
  
1) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); 
 
2) Department of National Defense (DND);  
 


3) Commission on Higher Education (CHED); 
 
4) Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC);  
 
5) Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP);  
 
6) Office of Civil Defense (OCD); and 
 
7) One representative from a non-governmental health professional organization. 
  
The members of the Board shall designate a representative, with a rank not lower than 
Assistant Secretary or its equivalent, to represent their respective offices in the Board: Provided, 
That the representative must be fully authorized to decide on behalf of the member-agency.  
 
The AFP shall designate a representative from the Office of the Surgeon General with a 
rank not lower than Colonel as its Board representative.   
 
The representative from a non-governmental health professional organization shall have a 
two (2) - year term of office. The Board shall select the representative base on the guidelines it 
shall promulgate: Provided, That, the non-governmental health organization is national in scope 
and has a good track record in providing emergency health services.  
 
The Board shall establish close coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction 
and Management Council and the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency. It 
may call upon any government office or instrumentality, including government owned or 
controlled corporations and local government units (LGUs), as necessary. The Board may likewise 
closely coordinate and collaborate with non-governmental health organizations and the private 
sector, especially those with actual programs in the delivery of emergency health services. 
 
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall have the following powers 
and functions: 
  
1) Define and develop the organization, management, mobilization, demobilization, 
and reporting mechanisms, policies, and guidelines for the HEART;  
 
2) Oversee the effective and efficient functioning of the HEART in responding to 
public health emergencies and health threats; 
 
3) Coordinate with concerned national government agencies and other stakeholders in 
responding to public health emergencies and health threats; and 


 
4) Conduct regular meetings every quarter or as often as may be necessary in times of 
disasters, during public health emergencies or in the occurrence of health threats. 
 
SEC. 9. Creation of a HEART Unit. – A HEART Unit shall be created by the DOH which 
shall serve as the secretariat of the Board. It shall oversee program implementation, including the 
maintenance of the database or information system of the HEART.  
 
The DOH shall determine the organizational structure and staffing pattern of the HEART 
unit subject to the evaluation and approval of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) 
and in accordance with the civil service laws, rules and regulations. 
 
The regional counterparts of the HEART Unit shall likewise be allocated additional staff 
and personnel to ensure the grassroots implementation of this Act. 
 
All LGUs shall ensure that a HEART Unit shall be operationalized under their respective 
Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office which shall act as mobilization centers in 
times of disasters, public health emergencies or health threats.  
 
SEC. 10. Registration and Training. – The Board shall prescribe a comprehensive 
guideline for the recruitment and selection of a HEART volunteer.  
  
The Board shall also prescribe a training program through written, practical, and simulation 
activities on various aspects of health emergency management and response in different health 
emergency scenarios. To this end, all volunteers must undergo:  
  
a. Basic training on disaster and health emergency response; and  
b. Skill enhancement activities with relevant agencies in both public and private sector.  
  
Completion of the basic training or acceptable substitute or equivalent certification shall 
be a requisite for admission to the HEART. 
 
SEC. 11. Registry and Accounting of Members. – HEART Volunteers shall be issued with 
individual registration numbers which shall serve as their identification during deployment.  
  
A registry or database that contains the names of the volunteers, their registration numbers, 
address, contact details and other personal information as may be necessary, shall be maintained 
and regularly updated in accordance with Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data 
Privacy Act.   
  


The HEART registry or database shall be integrated or linked to existing registries such as 
the National Health Workforce Registry pursuant to Republic Act No. 11223, otherwise known as 
Universal Health Care Act, Section 25 (c).  
  
All volunteers covered under this Act are required to update their addresses and contact 
details on file through the registry system or database as necessary.  
 
SEC. 12. Mobilization. – The Board shall approve the prompt mobilization of the HEART 
upon receipt of a request from municipal and city mayors and provincial governors in connection 
with a public health emergency, threats to public health, or a disaster, whether of local or national 
scale. The HEART may be mobilized partially or in full, as may be necessary.  
 
The Board shall promulgate a mechanism that shall ensure efficient implementation of 
deployment, assignment areas, deployment periods, how deployment orders are communicated to 
each volunteer, and to which mobilization center the volunteers will report taking into 
consideration Section 13 on “Accreditation, Mobilization, and Protection of Disaster Volunteers 
and National Service Reserve Corps, CSOs, and the Private Sector” of Republic Act No. 10121, 
otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. 
 
SEC. 13. Deployment Order. – The President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation 
of the HEART Board through a resolution, may order the nationwide mobilization of the HEART 
to augment the health workforce in case of a declaration of a state of public health emergency, 
state of calamity, and other threats to public health.  
 
Orders of deployment sent to the volunteers’ addresses and through the contact details on 
file in the registry system or database shall be sufficient notice for purposes of deployment. 
 
SEC. 14. Mobilization Centers - Mobilization Centers shall be established in each province 
as needed where volunteers shall report to once deployment is ordered.  
  
A mobilization center may be any establishment that can adequately house the volunteers, 
their equipment and supplies during the period of deployment, including a multi-purpose hall, 
gymnasium, and other similar structures.   
  
The Board shall, in consultation with the local executives, prescribe the location of the 
mobilization centers. The concerned municipal and city mayors and provincial governors shall 
disseminate information on the location of mobilization centers to the widest extent possible.  
  
SEC. 15. Essential Emergency Commodities. - The Board shall ensure that the minimum 
essential individual and organizational commodities and medical equipment and supplies shall be 


procured, stored, and managed to enhance the rapid transition to readiness required for deployment 
of HEART teams in the shortest possible time.  
 
The Board shall ensure and maintain its capacity to scale up the procurement of these 
equipment and supplies as needed during the period of deployment. 
 
SEC. 16. Incentives. - In recognition and appreciation of the HEART volunteers’ service 
rendered during the period of actual mobilization, implementing agencies may provide volunteers 
with an allowance as may be determined by the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with 
Department of Budget and Management, subject to availability of funds, and other existing civil 
service, budgeting, accounting and auditing rules and regulations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, 
nothing in this Act, shall be construed as creating an employer-employee relationship between the 
government and HEART volunteers. 
 
SEC. 17. Legal Liability. - No volunteer shall be held liable for the death or injury to any 
person or for the loss of, or damage to the property of any person where such death, injury, loss, 
or damage was proximately caused by the circumstance of an actual public health emergency or 
its subsequent conditions.  
  
This Section shall not preclude liability for civil damages because of gross negligence, 
recklessness, or willful misconduct. 
 
SEC. 18. Public Health Emergency Insurance. - The DOH is mandated to secure an 
insurance policy that would insure HEART volunteers from injury, death, damage to, or loss of 
property, and for any legal liability asserted against or incurred by the volunteer arising from the 
lawful performance of his duty.  
 
SEC. 19. Termination of Deployment or Demobilization. - Upon the declaration of the 
President, or as determined by the Board that the need for the HEART is no longer necessary, or 
upon the expiration of the deployment or end of mission there being no approved extension thereof, 
volunteers who are deployed pursuant to the declaration of a public calamity, a public health 
emergency or health threat shall be discharged from the performance of HEART duties.   
Upon order of the demobilization of the HEART, the deployed volunteers shall be reverted 
to inactive status. Mobilization Centers shall ensure reports on the mission are duly submitted and 
the certificate of services rendered pertaining to the deployment are promptly issued.  
 
SEC. 20. Annual Report. - The HEART Unit shall prepare and submit an annual report to 
the Office of the President, through the DOH Secretary, containing the list of accomplishments, 
status of the operations and program implementation of the HEART. 
 


SEC. 21. Appropriations. - The funds necessary for the initial implementation of this Act 
shall be charged against the available funds of the implementing agencies comprising the HEART 
Board. Thereafter, the funding shall be included in the budget of the DOH under the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 22. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the HEART Board shall, in consultation with other stakeholders, promulgate 
the necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of this Act. 
 
SEC. 23. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or 
invalid, the validity of other provisions shall not be affected thereby. 
 
SEC. 24. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, other 
issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 25. 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,