Senate President Win Gatchalian welcomed the Senate’s third-reading approval of the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers (Senate Bill No. 1905), which seeks to strengthen the welfare, benefits, and professional development of barangay health workers (BHWs).

The measure provides for the inclusion of BHW positions and corresponding salary grades in the government plantilla. Volunteer BHWs would also receive a monthly benefit of at least ₱3,000, transportation or expense reimbursement, subsistence and hazard allowances, among other benefits.

The bill also seeks to institutionalize insurance coverage, free legal assistance, psychosocial and mental health services, and continuing competency-based education and training for BHWs.

Gatchalian, a co-author and co-sponsor of the measure, said the legislation recognizes the vital role of BHWs as frontliners in addressing the healthcare needs of communities.