CITING the significant contributions Barangay Health Workers perform in the country’s health sector, Senator Robinhood C. Padilla would want to reward the sacrifices they have made to protect the health of ordinary Filipinos.

“With the huge role that our BHWs perform in our health sector, it is only proper that the State likewise protect those who protect our people by giving them just compensation and other benefits and incentives that they rightfully deserve,” Padilla said in Senate Bill 232 which also sought to stop discrimination against the BHWs.

Padilla’s bill would also grant BHWs the right to self-organize to seek redress for grievances in a peaceful manner and not contrary to law.

Covered by the bill are BHWs who are registered and accredited with the municipal or city health boards. To be accredited, BHWs must have rendered at least two years of “continuous and satisfactory service,” as well as have completed “regular training program on health care service and community-based health program” as prescribed by the Department of Health (DOH).

Municipal and city health offices are to maintain an updated BHW Registry, while the DOH will maintain a national registry of BHWs.

BHWs are to fulfill the roles of “advocate” of health programs; “educator” to guide the community on health priorities of local government units; “disseminator” of health updates to the community; “coordinator” for health services; “record keeper” of health data, activities and events in the community; and “health care service provider.”

Under the bill, at least one BHW is to be appointed for every 20 households in a barangay.

Benefits under the measure include:

* 20% discount on items under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010

* Hazard allowance of at least P1,000 per month

* Subsistence allowance of at least P100 per day

* Transportation allowance of at least P1,000 per month

* One-time Retirement Cash Incentive of P100,000 for accredited BHWs who served for 15 years

* Training, Education and Career Enrichment Programs

* Health benefits such as free medical care, emergency assistance and mandatory membership in PhilHealth

* Insurance coverage

* Sick, Vacation and Maternity Leaves

* Cash gift in December

* Disability benefit

* Civil service eligibility

* Free legal services

* Preferential access in loan facilities

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and municipal, city, and provincial governments will set up a grievance mechanism for BHWs. Meanwhile, the DOH is to conduct capacity building for BHWs.

Appropriate penalties await local government officials who will violate the provisions of the measure.