Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1353 
Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative 
JC M. ABALOS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In 2022, this Representation filed House Bill (HB) No. 2739, titled “An Act 
Providing Security Of Tenure For Barangay Health Workers, Amending For This 
Purpose Section 6(D) Of Republic Act 7883, Otherwise Known As The “Barangay 
Health Workers Benefits And Incentives Act Of 1995”. This proposed measure 
recognizes the invaluable role of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in rendering 
health care services in the community and seeks to amend the Barangay Health 
Workers’ Civil Service Eligibility by providing them second-grade eligibility after 
two (2) continuous years of active service, among other benefits indicated in this said 
proposed measure. Hence, motivating individuals to take on this very important role 
of providing health service to the barangays. 
Afterwards, this proposed measure was consolidated with other BHW-related 
bills and substituted by HB 6557, titled, “An Act Providing For The Magna Carta Of 
Barangay Health Workers”. This further recognizes the services of BHWs, seeks to 
provide greater benefits and incentives to them, and ultimately contributes to the 
promotion of public health in barangays all over the country. 
The House of Representatives of the 19th Congress transmitted HB 6557 to the 
Senate.  However, in February 2025, the House of Representatives adopted Senate 
Bill (SB) 2838 as an amendment to HB 6557 that consequently rescinded the 
transmittal of HB 6557. 
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July 7, 2025
9:24 am


 
On this note, this Representation seeks to file this proposed measure largely 
adopting the last version of HB 6557 that was approved on third reading by the 
House of Representatives during the 19th Congress. 
 
In view of the foregoing reasons, the approval of the bill is most earnestly 
sought.  
 
 
 
 
 
JC M. ABALOS 
Representative 
4Ps Partylist 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1353 
Introduced by 4Ps Partylist Representative 
JC M. ABALOS 
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: 
 SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of 
Barangay Health Workers". 
​
SEC. 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 
at the forefront of the delivery of health care at the grassroots level, and effectively 
harness their potential as partners in development. 
​
SEC. 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 renders primary 
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healthcare services in the community after having been accredited to function as such 
by the local health board. 
  
       ​
SEC. 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. 
  
       ​
SEC. 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) 
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(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. 
  
SEC. 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 may be, 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. 
 
SEC. 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: 
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(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; 
 
(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; 
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(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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
  
SEC. 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 
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having continuously and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) 
years; 
(e)​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. 
 
(f)​ 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: 
(i)​
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; 
(ii)​
Continuing education, study and exposure tours, grants, field 
immersion, scholarships; and 
(iii)​
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; 
 
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(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; 
 
(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.  
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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. 
  
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
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SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. – No BHW 
shall engage in any partisan political activity. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
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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. 
 
SEC. 19. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance 
with law. 
 
SEC. 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”. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
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