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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILLNO. ____ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Article XIII, Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution states that “[t]he State shall 
adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall 
endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all 
the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the 
underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor 
to provide free medical care to paupers.” 
 Health is essential in the lives of Filipinos, significantly influencing their ability 
to work, support their families, and engage in society. Barangay Health Workers 
(BHWs) play a vital and irreplaceable role in the country’s efficient delivery of primary 
health care system. Their vital contribution was evidently seen during the height of 
the COVID-19 pandemic, where they served at the frontline of community-based 
response. BHWs also serve and provide support to physicians, dentists, nutritionists, 
public health nurses, and midwives in delivering essential health services directly to 
the grassroots. Undeniably, they act as a bridge between the community and the 
health system, helping residents understand, access, and benefit from available public 
health programs.  
Despite the broad and expanding scope of their responsibilities, there remains 
a persistent disparity between the roles BHWs perform and the benefits and 
protections afforded to them under existing law, specifically Republic Act (RA) No. 
7883, or the “Barangay Health Workers' Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.” Nearly 
three decades after its enactment, RA 7883 is no longer responsive to the increasing 
demands placed on BHWs nor to the continuing evolution of health care service 
delivery at the barangay level.  
This proposed measure, therefore, seeks to establish a Magna Carta for 
Barangay Health Workers to institutionalize a comprehensive and updated set of 
July 3, 2025
2:14 pm
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compensation, incentives, and benefits that are responsive to their current realities. 
It also empowers Local Government Units (LGUs) with the authority to supplement 
these benefits, as appropriate, according to the needs of their respective communities. 
By providing fair compensation and sufficient benefits, this bill seeks to address 
the root causes of this decline and attract more community health workers to serve. 
In our collective pursuit of a resilient and responsive healthcare system, let us begin 
by recognizing and empowering those who serve our communities most closely.  
The passage of this Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers is a crucial step 
in achieving that goal. 
HON. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
Representative 
1st District, Sorsogon


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILLNO. ____ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
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 
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 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 
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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); 
 
(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: 


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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; 
 
(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 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. 
 
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: 
 
(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; 


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(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; 
 
(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 


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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 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, 


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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 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; 
 
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 


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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. 
 
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. 
 


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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 boardof 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. 
 
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 
 


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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. 
 
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, 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. 
 


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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. 
 
Adopted,