NextGen Day

A lawmaker appealed to the Senate on Monday to consider passing a proposal that would provide barangay health workers (BHWs) with improved compensation and benefits.

Representative Luis Raymund Villafuerte of Camarines Sur emphasized that the House-approved measure aims to grant job security to BHWs and “de-politicize” their employment in local government units (LGUs).

“It is an undeniable fact that BHWs are at the mercy of local government officials, lacking security of tenure,” Villafuerte stated. “They can be terminated arbitrarily based on perceived adverse political leanings. This allows them to be politicized. We must put an end to this unscrupulous practice.”

If the bill becomes law, qualified BHWs would receive a comprehensive range of economic incentives and benefits, including a monthly allowance of PHP3,000, hazard pay, insurance coverage, and access to free medical and legal services.

Villafuerte highlighted that the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers, which has already been transmitted to the Senate, guarantees the security of tenure by granting first-grade Civil Service Eligibility to every accredited BHW who has served as a community health worker for at least five continuous years.

According to Villafuerte, BHWs are “truly indispensable as basic medical front liners” in local communities.

However, he pointed out that under Republic Act (RA) 7883, or “The Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995,” they are treated as mere “volunteers” who receive minimal pay despite undergoing approximately five weeks of training.

“They are always at the forefront of providing maternal, newborn, and child health care in the neighborhood. They act as health educators and community organizers, promoting the government’s health awareness campaigns at the family level. Undeniably, their work is full-time,” he emphasized.

The bill seeks to amend the existing law in order to acknowledge and improve the current circumstances.

“We must recognize that our barangay health workers and the barangay health services they provide at the grassroots level are essential to the country’s pursuit of high and inclusive growth through sustainable human development,” Villafuerte added.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the municipal, city, or provincial government, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to establish a grievance mechanism to address complaints regarding discrimination or unjust removal of BHWs from their positions.

The bill also requires the Department of Health (DOH) to establish and maintain a national registry of entitled BHWs who will receive the enhanced economic incentives and benefits. 💙👥🌱

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