The Senate building

GP (Galing sa Puso) Party-list has hailed the final approval in the upper chamber of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2838, also known as the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHW).

In a statement Tuesday, Feb. 11, GP Party-list first nominee JP Padiernos says the bill's third and final reading passage is a historic victory for BHWs, and is itting tribute to their sacrifices.

"Ang panukalang ito ay isang malaking hakbang upang makilala ang kanilang mga sakripisyo, karapatan, at mabigyan ang mga ito ng sapat na suporta at benepisyong nararapat sa kanila," Padiernos said.

(This proposal represents a big step toward recognizing the sacrifices and rights of BHWs, so they may get the support and benefits that are due to them.)

GP Party-list had previously filed a similar measure in the House of Representatives, which served as a reference for the Senate bill's final version.

The Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers seeks to professionalize BHWs by ensuring fair compensation, access to training, and inclusion in government plantilla positions. 

The bill also provides various incentives and benefits, including monthly honoraria, transportation and subsistence allowances, hazard pay, insurance coverage, health emergency allowances, a December cash gift, and a dedicated service recognition incentive.

According to Uni Global Union, the Philippines is home to over 100,000 BHWs who provide healthcare services to more than 117 million Filipinos. 

Despite their essential role, a study by Acta Medica Philippina noted that BHWs remain overlooked in the health value chain.

The study, titled "Important but Neglected: A Qualitative Study on the Lived Experiences of Barangay Health Workers in the Philippines," revealed that many BHWs receive only honoraria as compensation. 

Incentives are often minimal, available only after a year of voluntary service, and are largely dependent on the barangay’s internal revenue allotment.

Padiernos further emphasized the crucial role that BHWs play in creating a more inclusive and comprehensive healthcare system in the Philippines, noting their contributions in achieving universal healthcare in the country.