A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to provide over 230,000 barangay health workers (BHWs) nationwide with monthly honoraria and other benefits.
House Bill 3215, authored by Parañaque City Second District Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan, aims to recognize the indispensable role of BHWs as community frontliners in the healthcare system. “Our barangay health workers have waited far too long for the benefits and protection they truly deserve,” Yamsuan said.
Under the measure, registered BHWs will receive at least P3,000 in monthly honoraria, while accredited BHWs will get a minimum of P5,000. Accredited workers will also receive cash gifts, transportation allowances, insurance coverage, and hazard pay.
The bill further provides health benefits, training, legal assistance, and civil service eligibility for long-serving accredited BHWs. It also includes allowances for those assigned to unserved or underserved areas.
Yamsuan proposed that April 7 be commemorated as BHW Day to honor their service. The measure also mandates the creation of updated BHW registries, representation in local health boards, and protection from discrimination and unjust removal.
