N. Samar lawmaker files 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗼. 𝟭𝟳𝟴𝟱 that 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸𝘀 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗲𝗿𝘀

Tacloban City –House Bill No. 1785, filed on July 10, 2025 by Northern Samar Second District Representative Edwin C. Ongchuan, aims to amend Republic Act No. 7883 or the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995.

The measure seeks to require all local government units to provide mandatory sponsorship of PhilHealth premium contributions for all accredited BHWs under their jurisdiction.

The lawmaker described that in the heart of every barangay are men and women who dedicate themselves to the health and welfare of their communities. Barangay Health Workers or BHWs are the essential frontliners who serve as educators, caregivers, and public health agents, especially in far-flung and underserved areas. They are often the first to respond and the last to leave, yet many of them remain without access to the very health care services they help deliver.

Currently, the decision to shoulder PhilHealth premiums for BHWs is left to the discretion of LGUs. This has led to unequal protection and patchy coverage across different provinces and municipalities. The proposed amendment closes this policy gap by clearly defining the responsibility of LGUs to enroll BHWs as sponsored members of the National Health Insurance Program.

The bill is anchored in the principle of equity and universal health care. Ensuring that BHWs receive guaranteed health coverage helps secure their well-being and recognizes their indispensable role in achieving healthier, more resilient communities. It also affirms the goals of the Universal Health Care Act by strengthening the system from the grassroots level.

BHWs are essential partners in implementing provincial nutrition programs, maternal and child health services, and other wellness initiatives. Providing them with health insurance coverage ensures that the foundation of community health remains strong, protected, and motivated. Health workers deserve the same care they extend to others. Ensuring their access to PhilHealth services is a commitment not only to their welfare but to the future of primary health care in the country.

“𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩 𝘴𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘮.” He added

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