1 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
House Bill No. 2409 
___________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA 
___________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) serve as the frontline of the Philippine 
healthcare system. They play a crucial role in delivering primary healthcare services 
to communities, especially in rural and underserved areas where access to professional 
medical facilities is limited. As trusted health advocates and community mobilizers, 
BHWs assist in health education, immunization campaigns, maternal and child health, 
disease surveillance, and emergency response. 
Despite their indispensable role in the delivery of basic health services, many 
BHWs remain undercompensated, under-recognized, and lacking in legal protection 
and support. Most of them serve on a voluntary basis, often without job security, social 
benefits, or clear standards for compensation and professional development. This 
situation not only undermines their welfare and morale but also affects the overall 
effectiveness and sustainability of grassroots health initiatives. 
This bill seeks to address these longstanding concerns through the enactment 
of a Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, which will institutionalize the 
rights, benefits, and responsibilities of BHWs. Among others, the proposed measure 
aims to provide privileges for the BHWs entitling them 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, hazard allowance 
which in no case shall be less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, 
subsistence allowance equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty, 
transportation allowance of not less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, 
e-time retirement cash incentive for BHWs who has continuously and satisfactorily 
served for at least fifteen (15) years, training, education and career enrichment 
programs, health benefits, insurance coverage, cash gift and free legal services.
By enacting this Magna Carta, the State reaffirms its constitutional commitment 
to promote social justice and recognize the contributions of health workers as essential 
partners in national development. Strengthening the support system for BHWs will not 
only enhance their quality of life but also improve the delivery of community-based 
health services throughout the country. 
July 28, 2025
1:30 pm


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In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA


3 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
House Bill No. 2409 
________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative ROMMEL RICO T. ANGARA 
__________________________________________________________________________ 
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”. 
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. 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’ Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the State shall adopt policies 
that promote the welfare and well-being of barangay health workers who are the 
forefront of the delivery of healthcare at the grassroots level, and which shall effectively 
harness 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 and 
nongovernment organization and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services 
in the community after having been accredited to function as such by the local health 
board in accordance with the guidelines promulgated by the Department of Health 
(DOH) pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act No. 7883 otherwise known as the 
“Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.” 
SECTION 4. Registration - Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) shall be registered 
with the local health board in the city or municipality in which they render service. The 
registered health workers shall be given appropriate proof of said registration. 
The municipal and city health offices shall regularly maintain and update the 
BHW Registry with the assistance of the BHW Federation and shall submit the same to 
the municipal or city health board. The local health offices shall submit a copy of their 
respective updated BHW registry to the Provincial Health Office which shall consolidate all 
registries. Upon the validation of the Provincial BHW Federation, the consolidated 
Provincial Registry shall be submitted to the Provincial Health Board, and the same shall 


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be posted in the municipal or city bulletin boards and barangay health centers. 
The Provincial BHW Registry shall be submitted on or before April 30 of every year 
to the DOH at the regional and national levels for consolidation. The DOH is hereby 
mandated to maintain a national register 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 filing of 
application for registration in the barangay as certified by the Rural Health Midwife 
(RHM) or public health nurse assigned to the barangay and by the head of the barangay 
health workers association; 
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 nongovernmental organization (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 DOH, to provide the BHW applicants with basic 
orientation and training within six (6) months from the date of approval of their 
application. 
 
SECTION 5. 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 the certificate of accreditation to 
qualified BHWs. In order to qualify for accreditation, the applicant BHW must: 
a) Be registered in accordance with Section 4 hereof; 
b) Have completed in the locality 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, that would upgrade and develop the skills and 
competency of BHWs to perform their roles. The training program shall be 
institutionalized by the DOH, in cooperation with local government units (LGUs). 


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It shall be the duty of the municipal and city LGUs, in cooperation with the provincial 
government and the 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 BHWs that is accessible to the 
general public. 
 
SECTION 6. Number and Role of Barangay Health Workers - Notwithstanding the 
limitations prescribed under 325(a) a Republic Act No. 7160, as amended, otherwise 
known as “The Local Government Code of 1991”, each barangay shall at least have 
one (1) BHW for every twenty (20) households. 
As one of the key partners in a reformed healthcare delivery system, the DOH and 
LGUs shall support the roles of BHW as: 
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 importance of 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) Coordinator - 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 healthcare services as 
may be needed in the community in any health event. 
A BHW shall not be required to engage in any partisan political activity. 
SECTION 7. Mandatory Appointment of Barangay Health Worker (BHW). – There 
shall be appointed at least one (1) BHW in every barangay for every twenty (20) 
households who shall be under the supervision and control of the DOH. The BHW so 


6 
 
appointed shall coordinate closely with the local government health officer in the 
implementation of health programs in the locality. As far as practicable, the BHW to be 
employed must be a resident of the barangay. 
The DOH shall determine the ratio of barangay health workers according to the 
number of households: Provided, That there shall be at least one (1) BHW for every 
twenty (20) households: Provided, further, That the total number of barangay health 
workers nationwide shall not be less than one percent (1%) of the total population. 
SECTION. 8. Incentives and Benefits. – All BHWs who are actively and regularly 
performing their duties shall be entitled to monthly honoraria in the amount of not less 
than Three thousand pesos (P3,000.00) subject to adjustment based on the prevailing 
market value, in addition to the following incentives and benefits: 
a) Privileges for the BHWs. – All accredited 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 that may be 
granted by the commercial establishment 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 value-added tax, 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. 
b) Hazard Allowance. – All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to hazard allowance in 
an amount to be determined by the local health board of the 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. – All accredited BHWs who render service within the 
premises of isolated barangay health stations shall be entitled to subsistence allowance 
equivalent to the meals they take in the course of their duty, which shall be computed in 
accordance with prevailing circumstances as determined by the LGU concerned. such 
allowance shall, in no case, be less than One hundred pesos (P100.00) per day; 
d) Transportation Allowance. – All accredited BHWs, in the performance of their 
official duties, shall be entitled to a transportation allowance of not less than One 
thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations; 
 
e) e-time Retirement Cash Incentive. – An accredited BHW who has continuously 
and satisfactorily served for at least fifteen (15) years shall be entitled to a one-time 
retirement cash incentive of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) in recognition 
of their loyalty and dedication, which shall be borne by the municipality or city concerned. 
The provincial government may provide assistance for this purpose, in the case of 
component cities; 


7 
 
 
f) 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 nongovernmental 
organizations, provide information on and opportunities for education and career 
enrichment for accredited BHWs, such as in the following programs: 
1. Educational programs which credit the years of primary healthcare service of the 
BHW towards higher education completion in institutions with step ladder 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, and 
scholarships, among others; 
3. Scholarship benefits in the form of tuition fees in state colleges, to be granted to 
one (1) child of every barangay health worker who will not be able to take advantage of 
the programs described in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) hereof; and 
4. Special training programs such as traditional medicine, disaster preparedness and 
other programs that address emergent community health problems and issues. 
g) Health Benefits. – All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to the following health 
benefits during their incumbency: 
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 PhilHealth as indirect contributors. 
The LGUs concerned shall also endeavor to provide other health benefits to 
accredited BHWs not otherwise provided by law; 
h) Insurance Coverage. – Accredited BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and 
benefits by 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 unique circumstances of the BHWs; 
i) Sick, Vacation and Maternity Leaves. – All accredited BHWs shall be entitled to 
sick, vacation and maternity leaves as may be prescribed in the implementing rules 
and regulations of this Act: Provided, That, the BHWs shall continue to receive their 
monthly honoraria while on leave, for such period in accordance with existing laws and 
practices. 
j)  
Cash Gift. – All accredited BHWs are entitled to a cash gift 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; 
k) Disability Benefit. – An accredited BHW who sustains an injury or falls ill in the 
course of the performance of their duties shall be entitled to Two thousand pesos 


8 
 
(P2,000.00) for every year of service. 
l)  
Civil Service Eligibility. – A first grade eligibility shall be granted to 
accredited BHWs who have rendered three (3) 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 BHW’s service in the computation 
of retirement benefits. 
 
No person duly accredited as a BHW shall be removed except for a valid cause to 
be determined by the Local Health Board (LHB): Provided, That if found to be unjustly 
removed from service, a BHW shall be entitled to reinstatement without loss of benefits 
and incentives from the time of termination up to the time of his reinstatement. The LHB 
shall resolve termination cases against a BHW judiciously not later than ninety (90) days 
from the receipt of a complaint. 
m) Free Legal Services. – Legal representation and consultation services shall be 
immediately provided by the Public Attorney’s Office to a BHW in cases of coercion, 
interference, and civil and criminal cases filed by or against the BHW arising out of or in 
connection with the performance of their duties as such. 
SECTION 9. Review by the Local Health Board. – Every incentive or benefit for 
BHWs requiring expenditure of local funds shall be reviewed and approved by the LHB. 
Such benefits and incentives may be increased, upon review of the LHB, after considering, 
among others, the present Consumer Price Index (CPI) as published by the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA).” 
SECTION 10. 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 11. Protection of BHWs. – The municipal, city, provincial governments 
and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall establish a 
grievance mechanism as a means of processing complaints of BHWs against alleged acts 
of discrimination and unjust removal from the service. A BHW may appeal their grievances 
to the DILG. 
SECTION 12. Right to Self-organization. – A BHW shall have the right to freely 
form, join or assist organizations to obtain redress of their grievances through peaceful 
concerted activities, in a manner not contrary to law, 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. 
 
SECTION 13. Representation in the Local Health Board and Primary Health Care 
Provider Network. – The president of the municipal or city association of BHWs shall be 
a member of the municipal or city local health board. The presidents of the association 
of BHWs of each component city and municipality associations of a province shall elect 
from among themselves their representative to the provincial health board: Provided, 
That, the BHW representatives to the health boards shall not be allowed to vote on the 
registration, accreditation and disciplinary or removal complaints of BHWs. 


9 
 
The BHWs shall also form part of the healthcare provider network and shall 
participate in the implementation of healthcare services and programs. 
SECTION 14. Continuous Capacity Building for BHWs. – The DOH shall conduct 
continuous capacity building for BHWs to enhance and upgrade their knowledge and 
skills, including training programs conducted online and in major Philippine dialects. 
The DOH shall, in coordination with TESDA and other concerned agencies, also assist 
the LGUs in the development of education modules or materials that highlight the 
collective experiences and learnings of BHWs and the use of traditional and 
complementary medicine. 
The LGUs shall endeavor to establish their own training centers for BHW and other 
health workers in coordination with TESDA, NGOs, and other agencies concerned. 
The LGUs shall also implement a development program for BHWs that will allow 
them to benefit from ladderized training as provided under Republic Act No. 10968, 
otherwise known as the “PQF Act,” and Republic Act No. 10647, otherwise known as the 
“Ladderized Education Act of 2014,” including academic credits for health-related courses. 
SECTION 15. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any 
provision of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with 
law. 
SECTION 16. Appropriations. – The amount necessary for the implementation of 
this Act shall be charged against the National Tax Allotment (NTA) of the LGUs, other 
local funds and the special health fund under Republic Act No. 11223 otherwise known 
as the “Universal Health Care Act”. 
SECTION 17. Implementing Rules and Regulation. – The DOH and the DILG shall, 
in consultation with the DepEd, the CSC, the GSIS, and other concerned government 
agencies and nongovernmental 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 18. SEC. 19. 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 modified accordingly. 
 
SECTION 19. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette. 
Approved,