Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has sought the passage of a bill seeking to address the longstanding issue of inadequate compensation and benefits for barangay healthcare workers (BHWs).
In filing Senate Bill No. 1911, or the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, Lapid said it is necessary to give recognition and support to the country’s BHWs, particularly the significant role they play in providing essential health services to all communities.
Lapid said the bill is crucial in achieving the country’s goal of providing better health coverage and improving wellness in our communities.
“Napakalaki po ng papel na ginagampanan ng ating mga Barangay Healthcare Worker sa ating health care system. Sila po ay nagbibigay ng napakahalagang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga liblib at mga lugar hindi regular na naseserbisyuhan ng ng ating mga government healthcare facilities (The role played by our Barangay Healthcare Workers in our health care system is very important. They provide very important services to our countrymen, especially in remote areas and areas that are not regularly serviced by our government healthcare facilities),” Lapid said.
“Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng kanilang kritikal na tungkulin, patuloy silang nagdurusa mula sa mababang sahod, kakulangan ng mga benepisyo, at hindi sapat na suporta mula sa gobyerno (However, despite their critical role, they continue to suffer from low wages, lack of benefits, and inadequate support from the government),” he further said.
The proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers aims to address such issues by providing additional health benefits, compensation, incentives, free education, and continuous training programs for BHWs.
The senator pointed out the government recognizes the potential of BHWs as partners in development, and the proposed Magna Carta seeks to effectively harness their potential through the provision of additional benefits and support.
Lapid assured the bill aims to empower and improve the status of BHWs in the community.