As Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go emphasized the need to institutionalize a framework that recognizes the indispensable role of BHWs as frontliners in delivering primary healthcare services and ensures that they are given fair compensation, benefits, and security of tenure.
“Malaki po ang ginagampanan ng ating barangay health workers sa panahon ng pandemya at sa pang araw-araw na suliranin sa kalusugan. Hindi natin mararating itong kinaroroonan natin sa COVID response kung hindi po sa kanilang sakripisyo. Sila po ang umaalalay sa barangay… sila po ang nag-aalaga para sa early detection ng sakit upang hindi na mas lumala pa,” he concluded.
In his explanatory note, Go laid out the policy rationale for the proposed measure. He noted that the 1987 Constitution clearly articulates the national health policy: “The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health, and other social services available to all the people at affordable cost.”
Go further explained that, under the Local Government Code, health services were devolved to local government units down to the barangay level, placing BHWs at the frontline of basic health care delivery. “They play a vital role in accomplishing the primary health care approach towards health empowerment by providing accessible and acceptable health services in the barangay level,” Go stated.
Despite this critical role, Go lamented that BHWs are only considered community volunteers, often receiving meager incentives and lacking security of tenure.
“To address the existing policy shortfall, and to give due recognition to the role and services of BHWs in the delivery of our primary health care services in the community, this measure proposes to grant BHWs the compensation and benefits package, including the security of tenure, of public health workers,” he wrote.
Under SBN 412, BHWs will be formally recognized as integral members of the community health workforce. The measure defines their roles as primary health care service providers, health educators, community organizers, and record keepers.
Go explained that the bill empowers BHWs to act as navigators and the initial point of contact for health care in their communities, under Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Act.
The bill also directs the Department of Health (DOH), in consultation with local government units (LGUs), to determine and regularly update the ideal number of BHWs per barangay based on population and community health needs.
In terms of professionalization and capacity-building, the proposed Magna Carta sets clear registration and certification standards for BHWs, requiring orientation, training, and at least two years of continuous satisfactory service before certification.
Go highlighted this initiative, stating that if enacted, “the DOH, in consultation with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Commission on Higher Education and the Civil Service Commission, shall promulgate the policies, standards, and guidelines for the certification of competency of BHWs.”
The bill, if passed, establishes a National BHW Information System to serve as the central database for all BHWs, aiding in policy-making, deployment, and program implementation. This will ensure that the government has accurate and up-to-date information on BHWs nationwide.
Recognizing the sacrifices and service of BHWs, Go’s bill proposes a range of incentives and benefits, including a monthly honorarium of not less than PhP3,000 for registered BHWs and PhP5,000 for certified BHWs, transportation and subsistence allowances, hazard pay, insurance coverage, health emergency allowances during national health emergencies, a December cash gift equivalent to at least one month’s honorarium, and a one-time service recognition incentive for those who have served at least 15 years.
In addition, certified BHWs who have served continuously for at least five years will be granted sub-professional eligibility and credited service years toward government retirement benefits should they become regular government employees.
The bill also contains provisions to protect BHWs’ welfare, including free legal services, education and career advancement opportunities, preferential access to livelihood programs, and protection from discrimination and coercion. Moreover, it prohibits BHWs from participating in partisan political activities to preserve the integrity and impartiality of their role.
The measure institutionalizes BHW associations at municipal, city, provincial, regional, and national levels to give them a collective voice in policy-making and to advocate for their welfare and interests. A national BHW federation will be established, with its own governance structure, to represent BHWs at the highest levels.
To assist third to fifth-class municipalities that lack resources to adequately support their BHWs, Go’s bill mandates a BHW Deployment Subsidy to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind in the provision of primary health care services.
Finally, the bill aims to repeal RA 7883, or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995, updating and significantly expanding the benefits framework for BHWs in line with current realities and the goal of achieving universal health care for all Filipinos.
Aside from the measure, Go also refiled SBN 178, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials in the 20th Congress. The measure aims to address the long-standing disparities in compensation and support experienced by barangay leaders and staff by formally recognizing them as regular government employees if enacted.