KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its South Cotabato Field Office, led the 2025 Regional Celebration of Araw ng Kasambahay to raise people’s awareness about Republic Act No. 10361, also known as the Batas Kasambahay (Domestic Workers Act of 2013).
The event underscored the importance of the law, which ensures the protection of the rights and welfare of domestic workers in the country.
“Dako gid akon kalipay kay may batas [para sa] kasambahay na subong, kung ano problema mo madali na lang masolbar kay sa una nga panahon nga wala sang batas kasambahay basta basta na lang ginaabuso pero subong kalma na kay may kasambahay law na,” the 2023 Natatanging Kasambahay Awardee, Eda Longganilla, stated.
(I am thrilled because there is now a law for domestic workers; whatever problem you have can be easily solved compared to the old days when there was no domestic worker law and they were easily abused, but now it’s quite relaxing because there is a domestic worker law.)
The celebration, which carried the theme “#PARAKAYK: Katatagan para sa isang Bayan na Nakikilahok at Nagkakaisa para sa Isang Bagong Pilipinas,” gathered 30 domestic workers (kasambahay), along with representatives from PESO, DILG, and other government agencies in the region.
Their presence offered support for the initiatives of the DOLE to amplify awareness about the provisions of the Kasambahay Law.
It also featured informational sessions on SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG benefits and memberships. Participants also received training on the Batas Kasambahay, the ILO C190 Violence and Harassment Convention, and the significant role of domestic work in the economy.
Longganilla also expressed her gratitude to DOLE for prioritizing the welfare of domestic workers, acknowledging the contributions of kasambahay, and continuously raising awareness about their rights under the law.
DOLE Assistant Regional Director Fatima Quorayce L. Bataga reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to protecting domestic workers’ rights.
She urged them to utilize the government programs available to them, which offer financial security, health benefits, and legal safeguards.
DOLE also assured kasambahay and stakeholders that they will continue to uplift the lives of domestically employed household workers by implementing policies that promote fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social security benefits. (SZT – PIA Region 12)
