Waste workers’ health, welfare bill filed

MANILA, Philippines — Garbage collectors stand to benefit from a measure that aims to provide medical and financial assistance to waste workers.

House Bill 9806 or the Waste Workers’ Health and Welfare Act of 2023 aims to provide health coverage, occupational safety training, personal protective equipment as well as educational and financial assistance to waste workers.

Beneficiaries are garbage collectors, waste pickers, recyclers and workers at landfills and dumpsites.

“They play a vital role in solid waste management, thereby avoiding the negative effects of hazardous waste, and contribute greatly to protecting the environment. Despite their importance, waste workers are some of the most underappreciated and unprotected workers,” the bill read.

Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar filed the bill last month.

Healthcare benefits include free annual checkups, vaccinations and hospitalization assistance in partnership with the state health insurer.

Waste workers and their dependents will be granted scholarships.

The government will also provide beneficiaries with low-interest loans for housing, emergencies or sustainable livelihood businesses.

A registration and monitoring system will be established to record the names of the beneficiaries.

The program’s funding will come from the Department of Labor and Employment’s annual budget.