Press release: Philippine Technical Working Group on Decent Work for Domestic Workers
Kasambahay (Domestic Workers) Day to highlight gains of landmark law for domestic workers
On the third anniversary of the much heralded Kasambahay (Domestic Workers) Law, groups instrumental to its passage will gather once again to review the gains of the law for domestic workers.
On the third anniversary of the much heralded Kasambahay (Domestic Workers) Law groups instrumental to its passage will gather once again to review the gains of the law for domestic workers.
With the theme, "Sama-sama, Magkakaugnay, sa Pagkalinga sa Kasambahay" (“Unity, Solidarity, in caring for Domestic Workers”) the Kasambahay Day celebration (#KDay2016) plans to integrate efforts of government agencies and social partners alike in order to achieve the objectives of the law on January 24 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
"There are a lot of efforts directed at promoting decent work for domestic workers, but we still have a lot of work to do," said Atty. Sonny Matula, national president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), a member of the Philippine Technical Working Group on the promotion of decent work for domestic workers.
"One of the major challenges is getting household employers to register their domestic workers with the Social Security System, PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG," Matula said. The Kasambahay Law requires the registration of domestic workers to the said social protection institutions.
From the estimated 2 million Filipino domestic workers only around 120,000 are registered with the SSS; 60,000 with the PhilHealth; and, 25,000 or so with the PAG-IBIG.
"Social protection coverage of domestic workers is problematic. These workers are losing out on the opportunity provide themselves a safety in case of accidents and in the future," added Matula.
Meanwhile, ALLWIES is urging the local government units to help in the implementation of the Kasambahay Law. "The DILG is tasked to create a manage a database of domestic workers which they have not done," said Babes Tesiorna, president of ALLWIES. "On #KDay2016 we will ask duty bearers and stakeholders to fully commit to double their efforts to create greater impact for domestic workers," Tesiorna added.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has long recognized the trailblazing work the Philippines has done in promoting decent work for domestic workers. "We are closely monitoring what happens in Manila. The Domestic Work TWG strategies and activities serve as a good example for Asia and the rest of the world," said Ana Valencia, ILO Domestic Work Project Coordinator. Thus far, the Philippines is the only Asian country to ratify ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
The celebration will start with a health and wellness program featuring "Ka-Zumba-hay 2.0" the second Zumba session for domestic workers following the successful staging of the popular dance exercise event in October last year.
This will be followed by the opening of the Kasambahay Photo Exhibit and competiton. Sponsored by the Domestic Work TWG, outstanding photos will be awarded at the end of the event.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), meanwhile, will distribute certificates of appreciation to its social partners in recognition of their groundbreaking efforts mainstream decent work for domestic workers.
Newly-established domestic workers unions such United-Sentro, ALLWIES-Kasambahay and TAUMBAHAY-FFW will also be awarded certificates of recognition for their perseverance in organizing domestic workers.
National Project Coordinator
Domestic Workers Empowerment Programme
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
Tel. No.:+63 2 580 9900
Email
With the theme, "Sama-sama, Magkakaugnay, sa Pagkalinga sa Kasambahay" (“Unity, Solidarity, in caring for Domestic Workers”) the Kasambahay Day celebration (#KDay2016) plans to integrate efforts of government agencies and social partners alike in order to achieve the objectives of the law on January 24 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center in Quezon City.
"There are a lot of efforts directed at promoting decent work for domestic workers, but we still have a lot of work to do," said Atty. Sonny Matula, national president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), a member of the Philippine Technical Working Group on the promotion of decent work for domestic workers.
"One of the major challenges is getting household employers to register their domestic workers with the Social Security System, PhilHealth and PAG-IBIG," Matula said. The Kasambahay Law requires the registration of domestic workers to the said social protection institutions.
From the estimated 2 million Filipino domestic workers only around 120,000 are registered with the SSS; 60,000 with the PhilHealth; and, 25,000 or so with the PAG-IBIG.
"Social protection coverage of domestic workers is problematic. These workers are losing out on the opportunity provide themselves a safety in case of accidents and in the future," added Matula.
Meanwhile, ALLWIES is urging the local government units to help in the implementation of the Kasambahay Law. "The DILG is tasked to create a manage a database of domestic workers which they have not done," said Babes Tesiorna, president of ALLWIES. "On #KDay2016 we will ask duty bearers and stakeholders to fully commit to double their efforts to create greater impact for domestic workers," Tesiorna added.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has long recognized the trailblazing work the Philippines has done in promoting decent work for domestic workers. "We are closely monitoring what happens in Manila. The Domestic Work TWG strategies and activities serve as a good example for Asia and the rest of the world," said Ana Valencia, ILO Domestic Work Project Coordinator. Thus far, the Philippines is the only Asian country to ratify ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.
The celebration will start with a health and wellness program featuring "Ka-Zumba-hay 2.0" the second Zumba session for domestic workers following the successful staging of the popular dance exercise event in October last year.
This will be followed by the opening of the Kasambahay Photo Exhibit and competiton. Sponsored by the Domestic Work TWG, outstanding photos will be awarded at the end of the event.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), meanwhile, will distribute certificates of appreciation to its social partners in recognition of their groundbreaking efforts mainstream decent work for domestic workers.
Newly-established domestic workers unions such United-Sentro, ALLWIES-Kasambahay and TAUMBAHAY-FFW will also be awarded certificates of recognition for their perseverance in organizing domestic workers.
For further information please contact:
Ms Ana Liza ValenciaNational Project Coordinator
Domestic Workers Empowerment Programme
ILO Country Office for the Philippines
Tel. No.:+63 2 580 9900