By Carmelo Redencion Jr 
MANILA, Philippines – The Senate has approved on its third and final reading the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs), a landmark bill that formally recognizes and provides benefits for thousands of community health volunteers across the country.
Senate Bill No. 2838, principally authored by Senate President Francis “Chiz†Escudero, aims to institutionalize financial compensation, insurance coverage, and additional benefits for BHWs, who have long been serving as the backbone of the country’s primary healthcare system at the grassroots level.
Escudero emphasized the importance of recognizing the role of BHWs, stating:
“For too long, our Barangay Health Workers have served tirelessly without proper compensation. This bill ensures they are fairly rewarded and protected for their sacrifices.â€
Key Benefits for Barangay Health Workers
Once enacted into law, the Magna Carta for BHWs will provide the following benefits:
✔ Monthly Honorarium – Registered BHWs will receive a minimum monthly honorarium of ₱3,000, while certified BHWs will be entitled to at least ₱5,000. These rates will be reviewed every three years to ensure fair compensation.
✔ Allowances – BHWs serving in unserved or underserved barangays where they are not residents will receive transportation and subsistence allowances to support their work.
✔ Hazard Allowance – To compensate for the health risks they face, BHWs will be given a hazard allowance of at least ₱1,000 per month.
✔ Insurance Coverage – BHWs will be covered by insurance packages from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), ensuring their welfare in case of accidents or medical emergencies.
✔ Health Emergency Allowance – During public health emergencies such as pandemics, BHWs will receive a special health emergency allowance to protect them during crisis situations.
✔ Annual Cash Gift – Each December, BHWs will receive a cash gift equivalent to their minimum monthly honorarium, recognizing their dedication throughout the year.
✔ Service Recognition Incentive – Those who have served for at least 15 years will receive a one-time service recognition incentive of no less than ₱10,000 upon leaving the service.
✔ Legal Services & Livelihood Programs – BHWs will have access to free legal services and government livelihood programs to help them sustain their well-being beyond their health service duties.
✔ Professional Development – The bill promotes career advancement, requiring BHWs to undergo certification and offering them opportunities for further training and education. Certified BHWs with at least five years of service will also be granted sub-professional eligibility under the Civil Service Commission.
A Long-Awaited Victory for Barangay Health Workers
The passage of the Magna Carta for BHWs is a historic milestone in the country’s healthcare sector, ensuring that those who provide essential services at the barangay level are given due recognition, support, and financial stability.
Several health and community organizations have lauded the bill, expressing hope that it will encourage more Filipinos to pursue a career in community health service.
With its overwhelming approval in the Senate, the bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for further deliberation before it can be enacted into law. If passed, this legislation will serve as a game-changer for the thousands of Barangay Health Workers who have long been the unsung heroes of public healthcare in the country.