SENATE OKAYS MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

THE Senate on Monday, August 3, 2026, approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to strengthen the rights, welfare, and professional development of barangay health workers (BHWs) nationwide.

Senate Bill No. 1905 under Committee Report No. 35, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers,” aims to formally recognize BHWs as primary health care frontliners and provide them with standardized training, certification, benefits, and protection.

“Today, we take another important step toward giving our Barangay Health Workers the recognition, protection, and support they have long deserved,” said Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, author and co-sponsor of the bill.

“Matagal na po silang tahimik na naglilingkod. Kadalasan ay kulang ang suporta; maliit ang honorarium; at kung minsan ay sariling pera pa ang ginagamit upang maabutan ng medikal na tulong ang kanilang mga kabarangay. Ang masakit, madalas na sila ang naiipit sa pulitika,” Ejercito said.

Under the proposed measure, registered and certified volunteer BHWs would be entitled to a minimum monthly benefit of P3,000, along with other incentives and support, including transportation assistance, hazard allowance, and an annual cash gift.

The bill likewise aims to provide a one-time loyalty incentive of at least P10,000 for BHWs who have rendered at least 15 years of continuous and satisfactory service.

It also seeks to establish a formal certification system and continuing education programs for BHWs while allowing certified workers with at least five years of continuous and satisfactory service to qualify for sub-professional civil service eligibility, subject to existing rules of the Civil Service Commission.

Moreover, the bill aims to grant government-designed insurance coverage, legal assistance for cases arising from official duties, and access to scholarships, training, livelihood and loan programs.

A national BHW information system would likewise be established to maintain records on the qualifications, assignments, and benefits of BHWs, among others.