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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NOB48_

Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWS) represents a landmark effort to
recognize and institutionalize the vital role of over 250,000 BHWs in delivering primary healthcare
services across the Philippines. Many BHWs receive low or irregular compensation, lack job security and
social benefits, and endure overwhelming workloads. Another notable concern is the delayed payment of
the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA), a hazard pay subsidy intended for frontline workers during the
COVID-19 pandemic, which remains unpaid for many BHWs across numerous localities, with arrears
averaging 17 months in some areas and affecting over 33,000 workers nationwide. For decades, BHWs
have served as the backbone of community health, often working without adequate compensation and
benefits. Despite these challenges, they have remained steadfast in their commitment to public service,
especially during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The bill, which was a priority measure of the administration, promised to provide BHWs with a
minimum monthly honorarium, transportation and subsistence allowances, hazard pay. insurance
coverage, health emergency allowances, annual cash gifts, and opportunities for career advancement and
professionalization. It also included provisions for national government subsidies to support BHWs in

low-income municipalities.

This bill has been approved on third reading in the 19th Congress and was not enacted due to
lack of material time. Recognizing these challenges, the measure is set to be refiled in the 20th Congress,
where renewed efforts and stronger unity among legislators, health workers, and advocates are essential
to finally secure the passage of this legislation.

——___

OBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO
Representative
Lone District, Navotas City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 648

Introduced by: REP. TOBIAS “TOBY” M. TIANGCO

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. - \t 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 hamess their potential as partners

in development.

SEC. 3. Definition. — As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” refers to 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 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 forregistration 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);

(©) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the date of the filing of the application for registration;

and,
() 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 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;

() 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; newbom —_ screening
for the early detection of congenital metabolic disorders which may

leads to mental! retardation and even death, among others;


(©) Disseminator - to maintain regular communication with local professional health
workers on health events and —updatesand —concems _—_relevant
tothe community and inform the same to the community for

appropriate action, if necessary;
@ 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;

© Record Keeper - to maintain updated records of health data, health activities

and events in the community;

) 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;

(©) Reporting to the barangay any incidence of disease or any health cases in the community;
(4) Communicating and coordinating with the community to participate in barangay health center
activities:

(c) Gathering of data about overall status of health of the community:

() Administering first ai
(g) Conducting health visits;

(h) Conducting birth planning for pregnant women;

(i) Conducting health education;

(j) Strengthening referral systems;

(k) Collecting sputum;

() Identifying people with disease and sickness;

(m)Community health profiling;

(n) Psychosocial debriefing for stress and post-calamity initiatives;

(0) 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 (BHW). — 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 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 in any public hospital or health institution;

2) Emergency assistance not exceeding the amount of five thousand
pesos (PS,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.

(H Insurance Coverage. - All BHWs shall be granted insurance coverage and benefits from the Government
Service Insurance System (GSIS) which shall be bore by the LGU concerned. Kor this purpose, the GSIS
shall design an insurance benefit package suited to the needs and status of BHWs;

(@) 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 toreceive 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;

(V 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 Attomey’s Office to an accredited B H W 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

(0) Preferential Access to Loan. <The DOH in coordination with other concemed 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



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.

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 loca! 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 concemed 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. —

very 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, 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. - lf 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
is hereby repealed. All laws, decrees, executive

Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995”
‘orders, rules and regulations, which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended or accordingly.

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,