Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ________
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” P. de Venecia
AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Section 12, Article XIII of the 1987 Constitution provides that the State shall, in part,
undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research, responsive to the
country’s health needs and problems.
Further, Section 23, Paragraph 2 of RA 11223, otherwise known as the “Universal
Health Care Act” specifically provides that: “To ensure continuity in the provision of the
health programs and services, all health professionals and health care workers shall be
guaranteed permanent employment and competitive salaries.”
Our Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) serve at the forefront of the delivery of basic
services for the basic political unit of the nation – the barangay. The State recognizes that
primary health care is essential for health empowerment, emphasizing the need to provide
accessible and acceptable health services.
Relatedly, Section 2 of RA 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and
Incentives Act of 1995 was enacted to recognize the need and support for barangay health
workers in terms of health education, training of barangay health workers, community
building and organizing. However, despite this law, and despite their critical role as primary
health care providers, BHWs receive less than what they deserve.
BHWs suffer due to a lack of effective support mechanisms and insufficient funds
from the local government units. The deplorable state of barangay health programs and
services is due to the current shortage of volunteers, the BHWs, whose numbers seem to be
insufficient to address the growing needs of barangays. The local health budget would depend
on the priorities given by each Local Government Unit (LGU) to health services and
August 9, 2022
12:50 pm
3389


facilities. In effect, the services of the current BHWs are a labor of love and a product of their
duty to their fellowmen, due to their under-compensation and lack of benefits.
The
government
must
address
this
concern.
This
bill
seeks
to
provide a
comprehensive set of compensation, incentives, and other benefits in acknowledgment of the
services these health workers render to the people. This will contribute positively to the goal
of the government for more effective delivery of health services and make health care
accessible to all.
In lieu of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
HON. CHRISTOPHER “TOFF” DE VENECIA
Fourth District, Pangasinan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. ________
Introduced by Representative Hon. Christopher “Toff” P. de Venecia
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. 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. 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.
SEC. 3. Barangay Health Worker. – As used in this Act, a “barangay health worker”
refers to a person who has undergone training under any accredited government and
non-government organization and who voluntarily renders primary healthcare services in the
3389


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.”
SEC. 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 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.
This national register shall be made
accessible to the public.
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 the
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 as certified by a government physician.
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.
SEC. 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; and
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).
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 accredited BHWs that is accessible
to the general public.
SEC. 6. Number and Role of Barangay Health Workers. – Notwithstanding the
limitations prescribed under Section 325(a) of 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 BHWs 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.
SEC. 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 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.
SEC. 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 (Php 3,000.00) 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 (Php 1,000.00) 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 (Php
100.00) 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 (Php 1,000.00) per month, subject to auditing rules and regulations;
(e) One-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 (Php 10,000.00) 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;
(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
non-government
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 a
step-ladder curriculum 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 (Php
5,000.00) 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
(Php 2,000.00) 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 in other civil and criminal cases filed by or against the BHW arising
out of or in connection with the performance of their duties as such.
(n)
Preferential Access to Loan Facilities. – 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 organized BHWs
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.
SEC. 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).”
SEC. 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.
SEC. 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.
SEC. 12. Right to Self-organization. – In line with the Constitutional 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.
SEC. 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.
The BHWs shall also form part of the healthcare provider network and shall
participate in the implementation of healthcare services and programs.
SEC. 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 shall 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 their BHWs 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.
SEC. 15. Penalty Clause. – Any local government official who violates any provision
of this Act may be administratively and criminally charged in accordance with law.
SEC. 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”.
SEC. 17. Implementing Rules And Regulations. – The DOH and the DILG shall, in
consultation with the DepEd, the Civil Service Commission, 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.
SEC. 18. 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. 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.
SEC. 20. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a national newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,