Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Barangay Health Workers in the Philippines
The Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding in the Philippines to establish skills training, certification, and professional recognition programs for the country’s estimated 270,000 Barangay Health Workers.
The agreement establishes formal pathways for community health volunteers to access skills upgrading and job security. The initiative coincides with the International Day of Care and Support, a designation established by the United Nations.
Decades of Grassroots Organizing Lead to Agreement
Public Services International and its affiliates have supported the organization of Barangay Health Workers since the 1990s. This advocacy led to the creation of Maka-BHWs Pilipinas, recognized as the first union of Community Health Workers in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. The national association operates with elected officers, its own constitution, and structured membership.
International trade union solidarity reinforced the organizing efforts. UNISON, a public service union in the United Kingdom, and Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA, the global justice organization of the Australian trade union movement, provided support for PSI’s work with Philippine affiliates.
Medina Manto, President of Maka-BHWs Pilipinas, stated that health workers have spent decades volunteering to deliver primary healthcare services across communities. Manto noted that workers handle immunization, maternal and child health, disease surveillance, and campaigns against dengue, malaria, and tuberculosis without consistent formal recognition.
Support from Labor Leaders and Public Officials
Annie Enriquez-Geron, President of PUBLIK and Vice President of PSI, spoke at the launch event to praise the partnership between government agencies and labor organizations. Enriquez-Geron noted that public institutions are demonstrating that government can deliver services for citizens who rely on public support.
Andrea Egan, General Secretary of UNISON, sent a message of solidarity to Maka-BHWs Pilipinas. Louie Horne, UNISON National Nursing Officer, also recognized the daily contributions of health workers and the importance of international solidarity with Philippine community health workers.
PUBLIK members, primarily career civil servants in national and local government units, supported the organizing of Barangay Health Workers when volunteers lacked regular government employee status. Manto expressed gratitude to DOLE, TESDA, PUBLIK, and PSI for securing pathways toward decent work and the implementation of Universal Health Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific training programs does the agreement provide?
The memorandum of understanding provides broader access to skills training and certification under the Barangay Health Services program administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
How many Barangay Health Workers operate in the Philippines?
Maka-BHWs Pilipinas President Medina Manto stated that at least 270,000 Barangay Health Workers serve communities across the country.
Which international organizations supported the formation of the health worker union?
Public Services International, UNISON from the United Kingdom, and Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA from Australia supported the organization and advocacy of Philippine affiliates.
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