As Philippine President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. prepares for his fourth State of the Nation Address, UNI Global Union – Philippine Liaison Council (UNI-PLC) and the National Federation of Barangay Health Workers are urging him to renew his commitment to the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers.
Barangay health workers (BHWs), crucial to the public health system, lack job security, fair compensation, and recognition. Many work for decades on small honoraria without benefits or legal safeguards. Some earn as little as 1 USD to 2 USD monthly in rural areas.
Khonan Dark Cerial, President of the National Federation of Barangay Health Workers and leader in Central Visayas Region, expressed hope that President Marcos will remember his promise. “We hope that in ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ (New Philippines), we will not be left behind," said Cerial. He urged the President to prioritize the Magna Carta for BHWs in the 20th Congress and include it in the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council agenda.