Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1426 
Introduced by HON. ROMERO FEDERICO “MIRO” QUIMBO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The devolution of health services to local government units (LGUs) under 
the Local Government Code was envisioned to bring health care closer to the 
people. At the heart of this system are Barangay Health Workers (BHWs)—
members of our communities who serve as the first point of contact between the 
health sector and the general population. 
BHWs provide vital services at the grassroots level where professional 
medical personnel are often scarce. They perform a wide array of tasks, from 
health education and basic health care delivery to maternal and child health 
monitoring, and they are among the first to respond during public health crises 
and natural calamities. Despite their indispensable role, BHWs continue to receive 
minimal and inconsistent support from the government. Many operate under 
uncertain terms and minimal benefits. 
Republic Act No. 7883, or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and 
Incentives Act of 1995, laid the groundwork for recognizing and compensating 
BHWs. However, more than two decades later, the law is no longer adequate in 
addressing the present-day realities faced by our health frontliners. The COVID-
July 7, 2025
11:33 am


 
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19 pandemic further highlighted the critical role of BHWs in safeguarding public 
health and exposed the urgent need to strengthen support mechanisms for them. 
This proposed measure seeks to update and expand the rights and welfare 
benefits of our BHWs by institutionalizing a Magna Carta for Barangay Health 
Workers. It provides for a guaranteed minimum monthly honorarium, hazard and 
transportation allowances, health and insurance benefits, opportunities for 
continuing education, civil service eligibility, and protection from unjust removal, 
among others. It also recognizes their role in health governance by granting them 
representation in local health boards and support for capacity building. 
By professionalizing and protecting our BHWs, this bill not only upholds 
their dignity but also strengthens the foundation of our primary health care 
system.  
 
In support of Barangay Health Workers nationwide, the passage of this bill 
is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       HON. ROMERO FEDERICO “MIRO” QUIMBO 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
         Representative 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Second District, Marikina City   
 
 
 
 
 
 


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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1426 
Introduced by HON. ROMERO FEDERICO “MIRO” QUIMBO 
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 the 
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, 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 at the forefront of the delivery of healthcare at the grassroots 
level, and effectively harness their potential as partners in development. 
SEC. 3. Definition. – As used in this Act, the term “barangay health worker” 


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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. 
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 


 
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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. 
 
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: 


 
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(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 may be, 
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 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. 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 


 
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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 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 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) 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 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;  


 
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(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. 
 
SEC. 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. 
 
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 


 
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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 


 
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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, 


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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


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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. 
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. 


 
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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 responsibilities is hereby 
prohibited. 
 
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 healthcare 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 


 
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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 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. 
 
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 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. 
 


 
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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. – 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.  
 
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 Regulations. – 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. - If any portion or provision of this Act is 


 
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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 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. 
 
SEC. 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,