Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin, Jr. has filed a measure seeking to increase the incentives and benefits of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) nationwide.
House Bill No. 3710, filed on August 13, 2025, proposes a monthly honorarium of not less than ₱3,000 for BHWs, along with additional incentives such as hazard and subsistence allowances, transportation allowance, one-time retirement cash incentive, training and career development programs, health benefits, GSIS insurance coverage, paid leaves, cash gifts, disability benefits, free legal services, and preferential access to loans.
“BHWs are our frontliners in the delivery of public health services. They are the first point of contact for those seeking medical information and assistance at the grassroots level,” Lazatin said.
He added, “It is only fitting that we recognize their sacrifices by granting them the incentives and benefits they rightfully deserve.”
Lazatin underscored his track record of supporting BHWs during his tenure as Angeles City Mayor, when he approved two consecutive increases in their monthly honoraria—₱1,000 in 2021 and another ₱1,000 in 2022—through Memorandum Nos. 1218 and 801. In 2023, he also signed Executive Order No. 82 granting additional benefits and incentives to accredited BHWs in the city.
The lawmaker also emphasized the need to strengthen rural health facilities. On August 18, Lazatin announced his plan to lobby ₱40 million in the 2026 budget to rehabilitate four Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Mabalacat City and two in Magalang. The project, discussed with District Engineer Arnold Ocampo of the DPWH Pampanga 3rd District Engineering Office, aims to align local RHUs with Department of Health (DOH) standards.
According to the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan (PHFDP) 2020–2040, the standard ratio is one RHU or health center for every 20,000 residents. Lazatin noted that when he stepped down as Angeles City Mayor, the city had already established 15 health centers, with a ratio of one for every 30,000 people.
(File photos show Lazatin with Angeles City Barangay Health Workers.)
