The Civil Service Commission (CSC) on Wednesday, July 31 urged barangay health workers (BHWs) to apply for career service eligibility, which is required for securing permanent government positions.

In a statement, CSC Chairperson Karlo Nograles announced that, in accordance with Republic Act No. 7883, or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995, the CSC issued Resolution No. 992845, granting civil service eligibility to BHWs in recognition of their voluntary service to the community.

“Our BHWs, although volunteers are vital frontliners in our mission to provide accessible and reliable primary healthcare services at the local level. The Barangay Health Worker Eligibility (BHWE) serves as a token of appreciation, recognizing not only their invaluable role as special partners in promoting a healthier nation but also their dedication to public service,” Nograles said.

The BHWE may be granted to a Local Health Board-accredited BHW who has completed at least two years of college education toward a degree and has provided a minimum of five years of continuous, active, and satisfactory full-time service to the community.

During this period, the BHW should not have been employed or received any form of salary or compensation, except for honoraria.

Additionally, the BHW must have been accredited by the Local Health Board before fulfilling the five-year service requirement.

Nograles said the eligibility can be used when applying for first-level government positions, except for those under Categories I and IV of CSC Memorandum Circular No. 11, s. 1996, as well as stenographer positions and roles that require passing board examinations.

Based on the resolution, BHWs employed by the agency under Job Order status and/or Contract of Service are eligible for the BHWE.

However, services rendered before Feb. 20, 1995–the date of approval of RA No. 7883–are not eligible for this grant.

In addition, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 7883 mandate that government agencies give preference to accredited BHWs in the hiring of health personnel, provided the BHW meets the qualifications for the position.

“By providing BHWs with the special eligibility, CSC hopes to give them an advantage in applying for positions in the government. Should the BHWs later become permanent employees of the government, their volunteer services shall be included in the computation of their retirement benefits,” Nograles said.