The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the indispensable role of Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) as the first line of defense in the Philippine healthcare system. To recognize their service and mitigate the risks they faced, the Philippine government institutionalized the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA).

This article outlines the legal framework, eligibility criteria, and duration of the HEA specifically for BHWs under prevailing Philippine laws.

Legal Basis: Republic Act No. 11712

The primary legal mandate for the HEA is Republic Act No. 11712, also known as the "Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act." Signed into law in April 2022, this act mandates the continuous grant of benefits to all public and private health care workers (HCWs) and non-health care workers (non-HCWs) during the state of public health emergency.

Eligibility for Barangay Health Workers

Under the law and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), BHWs are explicitly classified as eligible beneficiaries. To qualify for the HEA, a BHW must meet the following criteria:

Accreditation: The BHW must be duly registered and accredited by the local health board in accordance with Republic Act No. 7883 (Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995).
Active Service: The BHW must have been physically present and reporting for duty at the Barangay Health Centers or designated COVID-19 response areas during the period of the public health emergency.
Engagement: They may be engaged by the Local Government Unit (LSU) through various arrangements (e.g., job order, contract of service, or as volunteers receiving honoraria).

Risk Classification and Amount

The HEA is not a flat rate. It is calculated based on the risk classification of the area where the BHW was deployed. The Department of Health (DOH) categorizes these risks as follows:

Risk Level	Amount (Per Month of Service)
Low Risk	₱3,000
Medium Risk	₱6,000
High Risk	₱9,000

Note: The "High Risk" category generally applies to those deployed in units directly treating COVID-19 patients, while most BHWs operating in community settings typically fall under the Medium or Low Risk categories, depending on the specific health facility's assessment.

Duration and Coverage

The duration of the HEA is tied directly to the official declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency.

Retroactivity: The law applies retroactively to July 1, 2021.
Continuity: The allowance is granted for every month of service rendered during the emergency.
The "Pro-Rata" Rule: If a BHW did not complete a full month of service, the amount is calculated based on the actual number of days reported for work (typically requiring at least 96 hours of service per month for the full amount).
Termination: The entitlement to HEA ends upon the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency by the President of the Philippines. (Note: President Marcos Jr. lifted the state of public health emergency via Proclamation No. 297 in July 2023, effectively setting the "end date" for the accrual of new HEA claims).

Common Issues and Legal Recourse

Despite the law, many BHWs have faced delays in receiving their HEA. The DOH emphasizes that the release of funds is subject to:

Liquidation: Previous transfers to LGUs must be liquidated before new funds are released.
DOH Mapping: The BHW must be included in the DOH's Health Care Worker Information System (HCWIS).

If an eligible BHW has not received their allowance, they are advised to coordinate with their Local Health Office or the DOH Regional Office to ensure their names were included in the master list submitted for funding.

Conclusion

The Health Emergency Allowance is more than just financial aid; it is a legal recognition of the "heroic and invaluable contributions" of health workers. For BHWs, ensuring they are properly accredited and their service hours are accurately logged is vital to securing these benefits.

Would you like me to draft a formal letter of inquiry or an appeal addressed to a Local Health Board regarding unpaid HEA claims?