On World Health Day, barangay health workers demand Magna Carta

MANILA, Philippines – In time for World Health Day, barangay health workers (BHWs) belonging to federations from around the country gathered at the University of the Philippines Diliman on Tuesday, April 7, to demand the passage of their own Magna Carta.

Situated in barangay health centers in every city and municipality, BHWs serve as the primary healthcare providers in their communities. If a patient needs extensive medical care, BHWs then refer them to hospitals.

They also perform additional services such as health education, maternal care, disease surveillance, and emergency response.

But according to BHWs from city and provincial federations, they take on many additional jobs, like community sanitation services, statistical surveys, wellness campaigns, and drug screenings — all while being treated as volunteers without security of tenure.

Because they are not recognized as professional workers, BHWs can be easily removed from their posts if a public official wishes it. They said that this has been a common occurrence for them whenever new barangay captains or mayors assume office.

Medina Manto, president of Malayang Kalipunan ng BHWs sa Pilipinas (Maka-BHWs Pilipinas), said during their event: “Patuloy tayong tinatrato bilang volunteers lamang. Wala po tayong sahod, walang social pension, walang security of tenure, at walang mga benepisyong dapat ay tinatamasa natin tulad ng ibang [health workers] sa ibang bansa. Ito ay hindi makatarungan; ito ay hindi katanggap-tanggap.”

(We continue to be treated as volunteers. We have no salary, no social pension, no security of tenure, and no benefits that we should be enjoying like health workers in other countries. This is unfair; this is unacceptable.)

Manto asserted that it’s high time for BHWs to be treated better. “Tayo ay nag-aalaga sa iba, pero walang nag-aalaga sa atin…. Panahon na para alagaan ang mga nag-aalaga. Panahon na para kilalanin ang BHW bilang manggagawa. Panahon na para ipasa ang Magna Carta ng BHWs,” she added.

(We take care of others, but no one takes care of us. It’s time to take care of those who take care of the people. It’s time to recognize BHWs as workers. It’s time to pass the Magna Carta of BHWs.)

Currently being deliberated on in the Senate, the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers or Senate Bill No. 390 seeks to institutionalize BHWs and recognize them as public health workers.

If the Magna Carta is enacted into law, BHWs would receive pay equivalent to Salary Grade 1, a monthly honorarium of P3,000 for registered BHWs and P5,000 for certified BHWs, and allowances for transportation, subsistence, rice, hazards, and public health emergencies.

They would be entitled to insurance packages, service recognition incentives, and education and career advancement as well.

Formal recognition

Also on Tuesday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recognized Maka-BHWs Pilipinas as the first official association of BHWs in the country.

Manto believes this achievement is a “stepping stone” to finally realizing equal pay and rights for every BHW.

DOLE Bureau of Labor Relations Director Arturo Herbosa expressed support for the group’s campaign for a Magna Carta.

“DOLE will continue to take part in efforts that aim to improve the situation of workers. We support the proposed Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers as a step toward clearer recognition…. We also agree to support dialogue among all concerned agencies and partners looking for…solutions that come out of [different discussions],” he said during the event.

Jillian Roque, assistant general secretary of the Public Services Labor Independent Confederation, emphasized how a Magna Carta would uphold the rights of BHWs across the country.

“Mas magiging accountable ang sistema at dekalidad ang serbisyo publiko kapag maayos ang lagay ng mga taong nagbibigay ng serbisyo,” she said.

(There would be more accountability in the system and public services would be of better quality when the people providing the services are treated well.) – Rappler.com