CO-SPONSORSHIP SPEECH ON SENATE BILL NO. 1905, THE MAGNA CARTA OF BARANGAY HEALTH WORKERS

Mr. President, my distinguished colleagues,

I vote yes to Senate Bill No. 1905, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers.

For decades, our Barangay Health Workers have been the backbone of primary healthcare in our communities. Yet despite their invaluable service, many continue to serve with limited support and inadequate recognition.

Sa bawat barangay sa ating bansa, sila ang mga tahimik na bayaning araw-araw na naglilingkod at sumasaklolo sa ating mga kababayan; ang unang nilalapitan ng mga buntis, ng mga magulang na may maysakit na anak, ng mga senior citizens, at ng mga pamilyang nangangailangan ng agad-agarang serbisyong pangkalusugan.

This measure finally gives them the recognition they deserve by clearly defining their roles, strengthening their training and certification, providing opportunities for career development, and institutionalizing benefits and incentives that reflect the importance of their work.

Importantly, the bill provides volunteer Barangay Health Workers with a minimum monthly honorarium of P3,000, transportation assistance, hazard pay, insurance coverage, psychosocial support, and other benefits that will help protect not only their welfare but also the continuity of healthcare services in our communities.

I also welcome the provisions that create pathways for education, career advancement, and even civil service eligibility for qualified Barangay Health Workers. Ang ating mga BHW ay hindi lamang volunteers—they are trusted health partners who deserve opportunities to grow professionally while continuing to serve their communities.

Mr. President, investing in our Barangay Health Workers is investing in preventive healthcare. It is investing in healthier families, stronger communities, and a more resilient healthcare system.

Para sa ating mga BHW na matagal nang nagsisilbi nang may malasakit at dedikasyon, panahon na upang ibigay natin ang suporta at pagkilala na nararapat sa kanila.

For these reasons, I fully support the immediate passage of Senate Bill No. 1905. Mabuhay ang ating mga BHW.

Maraming salamat po.