DoLE vows protection of housemaids' rights

THE Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has assured Filipino domestic workers of the government's continued commitment to protecting their rights and welfare.

In a statement Friday, Labor and Employment Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said this year's celebration of the Araw ng mga Kasambahay (domestic workers' day) centers on bringing government services closer to them.

«All government offices are focused on protecting the rights of all workers, especially the housemaids. The government is ready to provide services for them,» Benavidez said.

Citing a 2019 survey, Benavidez noted that around 60 percent of the domestic workers are aware of the «Batas Kasambahay,» while only 3-4 percent have written contracts with their employers.

Republic Act 10361, or the «Batas Kasambahay,» was signed on Jan. 18, 2013, as part of the country's commitment to protecting domestic workers by ensuring their safe and healthful working conditions.

«We have come this far since 2013, but there are a lot of things we still need to work on. That is the very purpose why, for the celebration of the Araw ng Kasambahay this year, we mobilized all government services,» he said.

DoLE has also emphasized the need to expand the coverage of social security benefits as well as the registration of kasambahays in their barangay as required by law.

As part of the celebration, the DoLE will be rolling out a series of service caravans for domestic workers at the national and regional levels, which will last until January 31.

DoLE said about 45 domestic workers received free government hands-on skills training sessions and social security services from different government offices on Thursday.