The Senate should prioritize the recent House-approved magna carta for barangay health workers as this measure will assist in filling the gap in the delivery of community-based primary health care services in the country, a lawmaker said.

Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, one of the principal authors of House Bill 6657, which the House of Representatives passed unanimously on the third and final reading, has drawn the attention of the upper chamber to pass its counterpart bill in a bid to recognize and grant the pay and benefits BHW deserve, which have not been granted despite the country's adoption of the community-based healthcare strategy for nearly four decades now.

"There are at least a dozen bills in the Senate proposing a magna carta for barangay health workers that still need to be reconciled and consolidated into a substitute bill. We hope the Senate would be able to prioritize the passage of its counterpart measure of the magna carta when Congress resumes session next month," said the lawmaker.

One of the priority measures of the Marcos administration, the measure garnered an overwhelming 258 votes just days before Congress went on its Christmas recess.

More benefits

Given the rise in pay and benefits, barangay volunteers will almost certainly grow if the Senate and the Palace approve the legislation.

Once implemented, accredited BHWs will be eligible for incentives and perks such as hazard allowance, transportation allowance, subsistence allowance, a one-time financial reward upon retirement, health benefits, insurance coverage and benefits, vacation and maternity leaves, and monetary gifts.