MORE than just rendering a variety of domestic services, Kasambahays have played a significant role in shaping and nurturing Filipino households throughout generations.

To give tribute to their hard work and perseverance, various agencies converged to provide free services to around 150 Kasambahays during the Kasambahay Fun Day held at the San Pedro College (SPC) Gym, Davao City.

The activity led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) XI highlighted some showcasing of talents, parlour games, free haircut, massage and a quick Zumba session among Kasambahays.

PhilHealth Regional Office XI mounted a service desk which offered registration and member inquiry services, and distribution of corporate giveaways. Other agencies such as Pag-IBIG and Social Security System (SSS) also extended their respective services.

Signing of MOA: Strengthening the enforcement of Kasambahay Law

Through the Domestic Workers Act or “Batas Kasambahay” enacted in 2013, the government paved the way to promote the fundamental labour rights of Kasambahays as it instituted policies protecting their welfare and even the welfare of household employers.

Just recently, the Inter-agency Convergence Team launched the Tulong Alay sa Kaunlaran (TASK) Kasambahay, composed of National Agencies (NGAs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which seeks to increase access of Kasambahays to social protection programs and raise level of awareness in barangays.

The PhilHealth, SSS, Pag-IBIG, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and other agencies signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to fuse government efforts and reinforce the TASK Kasambahay.

The signing of MOA further signified the agencies’ commitment to actively uphold the rights of Kasambahays, protect them from all forms of injustice and discrimination and make sure that the law is in full effect. (Kleah Dublin, PhilHealth Regional Office XI)