Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1470 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
There are currently more than 400,000 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) in the 
Philippines, serving as the foundation of primary health care delivery at the community level. 
These individuals play a vital role in promoting preventive health care, implementing government 
health programs, and ensuring the well-being of people, especially in remote and underserved 
barangays. 
The importance of BHWs has grown significantly due to the worsening shortage of health 
professionals in the country. In 2009 alone, over 13,000 nurses left the Philippines to work abroad. 
This brain drain has left many communities struggling with limited access to professional health 
services. As a result, BHWs have become essential in bridging the healthcare gap, often serving 
as the only accessible health providers in far-flung areas. 
Despite the passage of Republic Act No. 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits 
and Incentives Act of 1995, many BHWs continue to receive minimal support. Some spend their 
own money for transportation and meals, endure long walks to reach patients, and face exposure 
to health risks without adequate protection or insurance. Yet, they continue to serve with 
dedication. 
July 7, 2025
3:14 pm


This proposed measure aims to amend and strengthen the benefits provided under RA 7883 
by granting fixed honoraria, expanded insurance coverage through PhilHealth and GSIS, and 
regular capacity-building programs. These are necessary not just to compensate BHWs fairly, but 
also to recognize their indispensable role in the sustainability and resilience of our local health 
systems. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1470
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. 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, 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. 
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 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. 


 SECTION 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, finally, 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. 
 
 SECTION 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. 
 
 SECTION 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. 
 
SECTION. 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) 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 leads 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’s 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. 


SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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 (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 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
Local federation boards of directors, and a set of national officers shall 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 16. Prohibition from Engaging in Partisan Political Activity. - No BHW shall 
engage in any partisan political activity. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 19. Penalty Clause. - Any local government official who violates any provision 
of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with law. 
   
SECTION. 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". 
   


SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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. 
 
SECTION. 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,