Supporting Senator Tulfo’s call to recognize BHWs

I support Sen. Raffy Tulfo’s call (“Time to recognize barangay health workers for their service—Tulfo,” Inquirer.net, 8/7/23) to acknowledge the vital role of barangay health workers (BHWs) in health care. BHWs perform essential primary care duties due to shortages in health professionals with specialized training. However, their voluntary status hinders full integration into the health-care system. Despite recognition, the law designates them as “voluntary,” limiting benefits like hazard and sub`sistence allowances. These benefits vary by local government unit resources due to a decentralized health system influenced by changing elected officials’ priorities. This affects BHWs’ training, scope, and performance.

For almost four decades, BHWs have expanded from primary to mental health, immunization, and more. Given this, their training, supervision, and compensation require attention, especially in the context of universal health care (UHC). The Supreme Court’s Mandanas-Garcia ruling boosts local resources, enhancing decentralization for better social and health service delivery. Therefore, it’s crucial that ongoing efforts to achieve UHC, in light of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling, include addressing BHWs’ capacity and resources to optimize their contributions in their respective communities.

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo,

renztamayo@gmail.com