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Senate approves Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers after 30 years

February 3, 2025

First filed in in the 10th Congress in 1995, the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) is one step closer to becoming a law, with the Senate approving Senate Bill No. 2838 on third and final reading.

Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, principal author and sponsor of the measure, said this long-overdue legislation will finally fulfill the promise of better recognition and support for BHWs.

“The journey of this bill has become very challenging. And yet, here we are today, passing it on third and final reading. The last steps of passing this bill into law is upon the horizon,” Ejercito emphasized.

He highlighted the vital role of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas.

“Sila po ang extension ng Department of Health sa ating mga komunidad. Naglilingkod po sila bilang bahagi ng ating preventive healthcare system. Ngunit higit sa lahat, tumugon po sila sa tawag ng tungkulin noong panahon ng pandemya at nagsilbing frontliners. They are heroes in their own right,” Ejercito said.

The bill seeks to institutionalize fair and standardized compensation for BHWs, ensuring a minimum monthly honorarium of P3,000, along with subsistence and travel allowances.

Recognizing the financial limitations of some local government units (LGUs), the measure also provides for national government subsidies to help fund BHW compensation, particularly in 3rd- to 5th-class municipalities.

Ejercito also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Health, BHW organizations, and other stakeholders whose insights and experiences helped refine the measure.

“Ang mga probisyon po ng bill na ito ay maipagmamalaki natin na nagmula mismo sa kanilang karanasan at pangangailangan,” he said.

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