Every year on May 7, the nation celebrates Health Workers’ Day in recognition of the vital role that healthcare professionals play in saving lives and safeguarding public health. This observance is made official through Republic Act No. 10069, known as the Health Workers’ Day Act which declares May 7 as a special working holiday dedicated to appreciating the tireless efforts of our health workers.

Health workers include doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, administrative staff and support personnel—regardless of their employment status—who work in hospitals, health centers, clinics and other health-related facilities whether public or private. These individuals face daily risks such as exposure to infections, radiation and chemicals yet continue to serve with resilience and compassion.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted their importance more than ever. These modern-day heroes stood firm at the frontlines delivering care despite difficult and often dangerous conditions. Their service is not only essential during emergencies but also in everyday health services that keep communities functioning.

To give health workers the recognition they deserve, the law mandates both government and private healthcare institutions to encourage participation in Health Workers’ Day activities allowing employees time to reflect, celebrate and be honored.

Here are some meaningful ways to show appreciation:

1. Give thanks publicly – Post a message or video on social media to show support and boost morale.
2. Express gratitude personally – A simple “thank you” to a health worker can go a long way.
3. Offer help – Assist with errands or small tasks to ease their daily burden.
4. Stay healthy – Protect yourself and others by observing health protocols, getting vaccinated, and maintaining good hygiene.

In recognition of their service, the Philippine government continues to support health workers. In February 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed the Department of Health (DOH) to continue providing allowances even after the official COVID-19 state of calamity ended. The DOH is also working to standardize pay and improve benefits to help retain healthcare workers in the country.

From emergency rooms to barangay health stations, our health workers have consistently delivered with dedication. On May 7, let us thank them wholeheartedly for their service and celebrate their unwavering commitment to saving lives.

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REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10069

AN ACT DECLARING MAY 7 OF EVERY YEAR AS “HEALTH WORKERS’DAY’

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. This Act shall be known as the “Health Workers’ Day Act”.

Section 2. May 7 of every year is hereby declared as a special working holiday to be known as “Health Workers’ Day” to give due recognition to the important role and contributions of the health workers who provide vital health services to our people and to promote their rights and welfare and enhance their sense of worth and dignity.

Section 3. For purposes of this Act, the term “health workers” shall mean all persons who are engaged in health and health-related work regardless of their employment status, including medical, allied health professional, administrative and support services personnel and those employed in hospitals, sanitaria, health infirmaries, health centers, rural health units, barangay health stations, and clinics, and such other health-related establishments owned and operated by the government or its political subdivisions with original charters, or by the private sector.

Section 4. All heads of government health facilities, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned and -controlled hospitals, as well as local government health units, and employers in the private sector, shall encourage and afford sufficient time and opportunities for their employees to engage and participate in any activity to mark “Health Workers’ Day” to ensure the meaningful observance of the holiday as herein declared.

Section 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

(Sgd.) PROSPERO C. NOGRALES Speaker of the House of Representatives

(Sgd.) JUAN PONCE ENRILE President of the Senate

This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1874 and House Bill No. 6514 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on January 27, 2010 and February 1, 2010, respectively.

(Sgd.) EMMA LIRIO-REYES Secretary of Senate

(Sgd.) MARILYN B. BARUA-YAP Secretary General House of Representatives

Approved: APR 06 2010

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines

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