Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

ETH CONGRESS
t Regular Session

TWE
Fi

HOUSE BILL NO. 3434

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN CULTURAL AND
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BY INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRAINING AND
EMPLOYMENT OF TRIBAL HEALTH WORKERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The United Nations Office for Project Services estimates that the Philippines is home

to more than 17 million Indigenous Peoples belonging to 110 distinct ethnolinguistic groups.
Most of them reside in remote and hard-to-reach areas. In addition, like most Indigenous
Peoples all over the world, they remain among the country’s poorest and most marginalized
sectors. The World Bank, likewise, reported that the life expectancy of Indigenous Peoples in

the country can be up to 20 years shorter compared to that of non-Indigenous Filipinos.

This proposed measure aims to bridge the existing healthcare gap experienced by
Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. This measure seeks to institutionalize the training
and employment of Tribal Health Workers who will deliver healthcare services that respect
and reflect the cultural practices of the communities of IPs. By doing so, this will enhance the
accessibility and quality of healthcare provided in underserved and remote indigenous areas.
‘This measure is also a step toward ensuring that no Filipino is left behind in the pursuit of

equitable and inclusive healthcare.


In view of the foregoing, the approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

CRISPIN DIEGO “PING” D. REMULLA


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO3434

Introduced by Representative Crispin Diego “Ping” D. Remulla

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IN CULTURAL AND
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES BY INSTITUTIONALIZING THE TRAINING AND
EMPLOYMENT OF TRIBAL HEALTH WORKERS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Tribal Health Workers
Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - ‘The Philippine Constitution provides that the 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. It is also the policy of the State to provide cheap and affordable quality
medicine and medical services to citizens in far-flung areas and indigenous communities.

SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the following words and phrases
shall be defined as:

a) Barangay Health Worker — a person who has undergone health care training
programs in any accredited government or non-government organization and who
voluntarily renders primary health care 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; and


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b) Tribal Health Workers — refers to members of ICC who have undergone health care
training by either government or non-government organizations and renders
voluntary health care in the tribal community.

SEC. 4. Tribal Health Workers. — All tribal communities which are located about ten
kilometers (10km) from the barangay center are qualified to have tribal health workers (THW).
The number of families in a community will determine the number of THW in that community
—one (1) tribal health worker for every thirty (30) families.

SEC. 5. Selection and Training of Tribal Health Workers. — The tribal Chief shall
appoint, in accordance with the traditions of the tribe, the tribal health worker and submit his
name to the local health board who in turn shall register the appointed tribal health worker. The
local health board will furnish a copy of the list of tribal health workers to the DOH which shall
maintain a national list of tribal health workers.

SEC. 6. Responsibilities of Tribal Health Workers. - The THWs are responsible for
providing primary health care to members of the tribes. He is also responsible for assisting if
needed, sick person/s to the nearest clinic or hospital.

Since primary health care may use herbal medicines that are traditional to the tribe, the
THW is mandated to establish an herbal garden in the community. The barangay LGU, the
municipal LGU, and the CENRO of the DENR are hereby required to provide assistance to the
‘THW in establishing such an herbal garden.

SEC. 7. Benefits of Tribal Health Workers. — Similar to the Barangay Health
Workers who are provided with a number of benefits under Republic Act No. 7883, the THW
are granted the following incentives and benefits

a) Free health care insurance and hospitalization — the THW shall be provided with
free PhilHealth insurance. In addition, the THW shall be entitled to free
hospitalization in case of work-related sickness or injury. The Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall provide the insurance and bear the
expenses of the hospitalization of the THW. The DSWD shall work closely with
the local health boards in granting these benefits to the THW, particularly in
identifying those who are entitled to such.

b)

Educational benefits ~ the THW is entitled to free tuition in public high schools and
universities. Should the THW not be able to avail of this incentive, he is allowed to
transfer this benefit to any one of his/her legitimate children. This benefit can only
be availed by active THWs.


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¢) Continuing training — the DOH shall be responsible for providing the continuing
training for the THW on new and emerging primary health care management as

well as new and merging herbal medicines.

d) Free legal services — the Public Attorney’s Office shall provide free legal advice to
THW if there are occasions that the latter needs one; provided, however, that the
occasion arises from or in connection with the exercise of his duties and
responsibilities as THW.

SEC. 8. Monitoring and Evaluation. — The DOH, in coordination with the NCIP and

the DILG, shall establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess the effectiveness
of THWs in delivering culturally appropriate care.

SEC. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Health (DOH),
the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) shall
be responsible for the formulation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this
‘Act which shall be formulated within one hundred fifty (150) days upon its approval.

SEC. 10. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 11. Separability Clause. ~ If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 12. Non-Impairment Clause. - Nothing in this Act shall be construed as to
diminish, impair, or repeal rights recognized, grant, or made available to disadvantaged,
marginalized, or specific sectors under existing laws.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or parts,
thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in any major newspaper of general circulation in the

Philippines.

Approved,