DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- It was a “day off” to remember for Jaquilou A. Gonsaga, a kasambahay or household service worker, when she attended the Araw ng Kasambahay (Kasambahay Day) at the Lamberto Macias Sports and Cultural Complex in Dumaguete City.
A kasambahay for 17 years, Jaquilou said she is grateful to the government for making her feel important and valued during the event.
Jaquilou received a bag of rice, medicines, vitamins, and eyeglasses from the provincial government during the event.
“Nalipay pud ko kay makadala kog uli bag-ong rice cooker, akong daug sa raffle. (I’m also happy because I will bring home with me a brand new rice cooker, which I won from the raffle draw),” she added.
A kasambahay is all smiles as she receives a bag of rice from Rubie Cempron (left) of DOLE during the Araw Ng Kasambahay celebration in Dumaguete City. (PIA Negros Oriental/DOLE photo)
Free services
Jaquilou was one of the more than 100 kasambahays from Dumaguete City and Zamboanguita town who joined the Kasambahay Day conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The household workers were treated to various free services, such as manicures, pedicures, haircuts, and massages, offered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
TESDA also conducted trainings for the kasambahays to equip them with skills that they can use for alternative livelihood opportunities.
The provincial government also provided free medical, legal, and social services.
The kasambahays were also given a crash course on rug-making, puto cheese-making, and kutchinta-making conducted by the Bantay Komunidad-Dumandan Association and Voice of the Free Foundation, Inc.
The provincial government’s medical team distributes medicines and vitamins to kasambahays during the Araw Ng Kasambahay celebration in Dumaguete City. (PIA Negros Oriental/DOLE photo)
Aside from the free services, the domestic workers were oriented on safety net options or alternative sources of income that are available for them in times of economic distress, said DOLE information officer Raiza Rubia.
“This is beneficial to the kasambahays in the performance of their duties and responsibilities, and at the same time, it educates them on their rights and privileges and some basics of occupational safety and health,” said Rubia.
Rubia said learning sessions were conducted on the rights of the kasambahay, Republic Act 10361, or the Batas Kasambahay, and DOLE’s livelihood programs.
The sessions also tackled the barangay registration of kasambahay by the Dumaguete City Social Welfare and Development Office and the rescue operations of domestic workers by the Philippine National Police Dumaguete Women and Children’s Protection Desk. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)
