Kasambahay program for welfare of helpers

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission and the office of Councilor Lea Ouano-Japson proposed an ordinance enacting a Kasambahay Program providing protective measures as well as penalties for any violence against the subjects.

This is part of the city’s celebration of International Women’s Month this March with the theme “Babae, Yaman ka ng Bayan.”

The ordinance shall act as a policy of the city that will promote the rights of both the household helps and their employers.

The term kasambahay shall refer to one who works and often lives within the employer’s household to take care of the household itself and the employer’s dependent members. It is those who perform domestic chores not limited to washing, ironing, running errands, and so on.

The kasambahay program, upon issuance of implementing rules and regulations, shall mandate for the registration of household helps in the barangays.

Through the registration, the local government units must know about the socio-demographic data and other information of the kasambahay including the name, address, place and date of birth, educational attainment, employment history and character references, among others.

Along with a recent identification picture, a kasambahay must present a copy of her employment contact, signed in the presence of the punong barangay or his duly authorized representative to the concerned Kasambahay Desk.

An identification card and work clearance will be issued by the processing Barangay Kasambahay Desk.

Teresa Fernandez, executive chairperson of the CCWFAC, said that through this, they hope to monitor closely minors working as helpers which case is common in the country.

The desk must establish quick response mechanisms at the community level to facilitate the clarification of employment issues between the employee and employer.

It should be able to immediately act on each party’s concern regarding abuses, and need for legal, financial, medical, psychological and other appropriate assistance.

There will also be pre-employment seminars, trainings and orientation for both the kasambahays and employers.

“In order to allow kasambahays to secure social protection and health, employers will be encouraged to voluntarily register and/or enroll their kasambahays in health and social insurance schemes of various insurance corporations,” the proposed ordinance says.

These house helpers must also gain full access to health care services available in the community.

Any person who shall commit any act of violence against kasambahays must be imposed with appropriate penalties as set by the ordinance.

Fernandez added that the city government and its partner government and non-government agencies have prepared a series of activities in celebration of the women’s month.

The focus this year, based on the theme, is to give due recognition to the contribution of women in economic empowerment and nation building. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)