DOLE honors ‘kasambahays’: We’ve come so far, but still long way to go

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that the country has come so far in its strides for the welfare of kasambahays or domestic workers, but much still needs to be done.

“Malayong-malayo na po ang ating narating from 2013, pero malayo pa po ang kailangan nating marating…” DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said during Thursday’s celebration of the 2024 Araw ng Kasambahay or the Domestic Workers Day.

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(We have achieved much since 2013, but our goal is still far away.)

“That is the very purpose why, for the celebration of the Araw ng Kasambahay this year, we mobilized lahat ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan (all government services),” Benavidez added.

In 2013, the Republic Act No. 10361, or the Domestic Workers Act, or Batas Kasambahay, was signed into law.

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During Thursday’s celebration, the DOLE conducted a caravan that offered various government services and training for at least 45 domestic workers who attended.

Benavidez added that the government will continue to protect the welfare of workers, including domestic workers.

“Lahat po ng serbisyo ng pamahalaan, lahat po ng taong gobyerno ay nakatutok na pangalagaan o proteksiyunan ang karapatan ng mga manggagawa, katulad po ng mga kasambahay,” he said.

(All government services and all government personnel are focused on the welfare and protection of the rights of workers, like domestic workers.)