CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) -- BARANGAY officials in Oriental Mindoro were reminded that they serve as the first line of defense in safeguarding the rights and welfare of local household service workers.

Speaking in a forum that marked “Araw ng Kasambahay sa Oriental Mindoro”, Department of Labor and Employment regional director  Naomi Lyn Abellana said barangay officials, particularly the Punong Barangay, play a critical role under Republic Act 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay as they are required  to  safeguard the welfare of kasambahays and protect them against all kinds of abuses and economic exploitations.

Under the implementing rules and regulations of RA 10361, Punong Barangays shall be responsible for the Registry of Kasambahay within his/her jurisdiction with each employer registering kasambahay/s under his or her employment in the barangay of his residence. The employer shall also enroll the kasambahay to the SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG.

"Household workers are integral to many families, yet they remain among the most vulnerable sectors in our workforce. Through the Kasambahay Law, we aim to uplift their living and working conditions and ensure they receive the respect and benefits they rightfully deserve," she said.

Abellana added that barangay officials being the first line of defense, it is logical that these officials serve as the labor department’s force multipliers in disseminating the core message of this activity.

A total of 456 barangay officials and Public and Employment Services Officers (PESO) from variousthe municipalities attended the activity from January 22 to 23.

The Kasambahay Law, which seeks to protect the rights of domestic workers in the Philippines, has been a pivotal piece of legislation since its enactment. DOLE Mimaropa's initiative aimed at educating local leaders about the law's various components, including fair wages, humane working conditions, and social welfare benefits for household workers.

The event featured talks, seminars led by representatives and legal experts from the department, as well as other partner agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).

These sessions provided barangay officials with in-depth knowledge of the law, emphasizing their role in its local implementation and enforcement. The officials were encouraged to disseminate this information to their respective communities, ensuring that both employers and kasambahays are aware of their rights and responsibilities.

According to DOLE Mimaropa communication unit head Loreta D. Catapang, Oriental Mindoro is just the first leg of the numerous advocacies for the rights of household workers in the region. Other provinces will follow suit once everything has been finalized. (JJGS/PIA Mimaropa - Oriental Mindoro)

*Photos courtesy of Mayor Malou Flores-Morillo Facebook page