The Department of the Interior and Local Government has issued the guidelines on the barangay registration of house helpers under Republic Act 10361, or an Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, a press release from the DILG in Region said. In Negros Oriental, OIC provincial director Farah Gentuya of DILG and Rogen Cumba of the Department of Labor and Employment, met recently and scheduled an orientation briefing for DILG field officers and partner agencies on July 17 at the DILG office in Dumaguete City, the press release also said. Gentuya urged city and town mayors and barangay captains to hold the registration of all domestic workers in their jurisdiction and to require every employer to register his or her domestic worker in the kasambahay masterlist in the barangay where the employer resides. Under the guidelines, the mayors should organize the start-up registration this month, and SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG representatives should participate to accept applications for membership. The barangay captains are tasked to set-up their kasambahay desks and designate a duty officer, the press release also said. In case of termination of contract, the employer should immediately notify the desk officer for updating of the masterlist. For more information, those interested may contact Kristina Bianca Ayroso of the DILG at (035) 225-4411 or (035) 422-2479, the press release added.* DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental Larry
I do agree with the Act protecting domestic workers but it will probably be another 2 week law. I'm sure it will fade out fast but I believe that it is a good idea. I have heard many stories of domestic workers being exploited but unless the Barangay actually surveys all the homes in their district they will never be able to compile a "Master List". We have always started Phil Health with our helpers after 6 months employment. It is cheap and easy and provides tangible benefits. However, most of the girls have no Birth Certificate so we normally start by getting that straightened out (sometimes a chore in itself) then we help them get their school records (if any), Baptismal Certificate, and an acceptable picture ID card like Postal ID, for example. For a couple of them we got their Catholic Confirmation also. These are things their parents should have done but we all know what happens there. We also try to enroll them in the Alternate Learning System program to complete their high school, when necessary, or enroll them TESDA courses. These are all things that will give them a little boost towards their future, making them a little more independent since we all know that they don't want to spend the rest of their lives as helpers anyway. The only thing I don't like is the SSS part. There is very little chance that the girls will keep paying after they leave your employ and they will most likely never reap any benefits from it. The whole program appears to be a cash cow for unscrupulous politicians (should I say that? ... too late). Anyway, thanks Larry, for posting it!
