Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA and 
ALFEL M. BASCUG 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our barangay health workers are at the forefront of the State’s program to 
provide primary health care services to all Filipinos, especially those in the isolated 
rural communities. Notably, our barangay health workers have been delegated with 
the basic-health care task which alleviated the load of our national healthcare system 
overwhelmed to the brim. As it is in fact the case, they augmented the decreasing 
number of our doctors and nurses even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
The indispensable role of our barangay health workers was duly highlighted 
during the surge of COVID-19 cases when they were tasked to frontline the pandemic 
response in the communities despite the risk posed to their lives. As indeed the cases, 
many of our BHWs died to COVID-19 while serving their communities. The pandemic, 
if at all, brought to the fore the selfless dedication and commitment to public service 
of our BHWs. Despite their laudable contributions in making healthcare services 
accessible, our BHWs have been overlooked and neglected in so far as compensation 
and technical training are concerned. It is but high time that our BHWs be finally given 
the respect and assistance of the State for all their heroic deeds and services to the 
country.  
In consonance with the State’s constitutional mandate to protect and promote 
the right to health of the Filipinos, this measure provides for well-deserved incentives 
and benefits to our barangay health workers. This bill also proposes continuing 
capacity building program for our BHWs as the primary means to upgrade their 
knowledge and skills in the field.  
This bill was approved in the House of the Representatives during the 19th 
Congress and was duly transmitted to the Senate.  
Given the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
  ALFEL M. BASCUG 
 EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA 
1ST District, Agusan del Sur 
2nd District, Agusan del Sur 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO.  1382 
July 7, 2025
10:24 am


TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
         HOUSE BILL NO.  1382 
Introduced by REPRESENTATIVES EDDIEBONG G. PLAZA and 
ALFEL M. BASCUG 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF THE BARANGAY 
HEALTH WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in the 
Congress assembled:  
ARTICLE I 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of the 
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 7 who are 
the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level and effectively 
harness 8 their potential as partners in development. 
SECTION 3. Definition. – 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 render 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. 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 


 
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 with 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 services 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 
than later 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 leads 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;  
 
(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 36 health center activities; 
 
(e) Gathering data about the 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 to 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. – 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 is 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 to 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;  
 
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 20 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;  
 
(o) Preferential Access to Loan. - The DOH, in coordination with other government 
agencies concerned, 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 member of the municipal or city local health board. The 
respective presidents of the federation of the 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 the 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 form 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 medicines.  
 
 
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 Np. 
10968, otherwise known as the Philippines 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 Dat during April 7, of every year in recognition of the service of the Barangay 
Health Workers, their heroic services in times of crises, and their indispensable role in 
promoting health and wellness among the citizenries.  
 
 
The DOH, in cooperation with the 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 Regulations. – 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 and regulations which are inconsistent with this Act 
are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.  
 
SECTION 24. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
 
Approved,