Magna Carta for Health Workers Refiled in Congress
Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan has reintroduced the proposed Magna Carta for Health Workers before the 20th Congress’s House of Representatives. The lawmaker emphasized the urgent need to institutionalize the barangay health worker profession and guarantee fair compensation nationwide.
Yamsuan filed House Bill No. 3215, aiming to provide over 230,000 barangay health workers (BHWs) with monthly honoraria and essential benefits. This measure seeks to define the qualifications, roles, and accreditation process for BHWs to ensure their recognition and support.
Defining Roles and Accreditation Process
The bill mandates that municipal and city health offices maintain an updated BHW Registry, subject to approval by their respective health boards. Local health offices will submit validated registries to the Provincial Health Office for consolidation and further approval.
“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,” the bill states.
Qualifications for accreditation include continuous, satisfactory community health service for at least six months prior to application, completion of DOH-prescribed basic orientation and training, being at least 18 years old, and being physically and mentally fit. Recommendations must come from the Rural Health Midwife or public health nurse, the BHW association head, and certification by the Sangguniang Barangay.
Proposed Compensation and Benefits
According to Yamsuan, registered and functional BHWs will receive a monthly honorarium of no less than ₱3,000, while accredited BHWs will be entitled to at least ₱5,000 monthly. Additional benefits will depend on job conditions and local health board determinations.
- Hazard allowance, not less than ₱1,000 per month
- Subsistence allowance, not less than ₱1,000 per day
- Transportation allowance, at least ₱1,000 per day
- One-time gratuity cash incentive of ₱10,000 for those with 15 years of continuous satisfactory service
- Insurance coverage under the Government Service Insurance System
- Access to training, education, and career enrichment programs
- Health benefits and leaves
- Cash gifts
- Civil service eligibility after five years of service
Local Impact and Recognition
Community members and local leaders noted that BHWs, including the 180 workers in Parañaque’s 2nd District, have long awaited this legislation to secure their rightful benefits and protection.
“Our barangay health workers, including the 180 BHWs in Parañaque’s 2nd District, have waited far too long for the benefits and protection that they truly deserve,” Yamsuan said. He added that the bill aims to empower BHWs to work with dignity and proper recognition for their vital healthcare contributions.
Commemorating Barangay Health Workers
Beyond benefits, HB No. 3215 designates April 7 as Barangay Health Workers Day. This annual observance honors their heroic service during crises and their essential role in promoting community health and wellness.
Legislative Progress and Challenges
Earlier this year, the Senate approved a similar proposal under Senate Bill No. 2838. Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito, the principal author, described the legislation as long overdue, promising better recognition and support for BHWs.
However, the 19th Congress did not pass the bill into law because the House recalled its version despite approving House Bill No. 6557 last December 2023. Consequently, the measure was not sent to the President before the session ended, even though it was prioritized by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council.
Currently, 43 bills are pending in the House to establish the Magna Carta for Health Workers, including House Bill No. 1842 filed by former senator and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima, according to sources familiar with the legislative process.
For more news and updates on Magna Carta for Health Workers, visit Filipinokami.com.
