The Department of Labor and Employment Palawan Provincial Office, in partnership with the Puerto Princesa City Public Employment Service Office, strengthened gender mainstreaming and family welfare programs during an activity held on Dec. 20 at Mandaragat Hall in Barangay Mandaragat.
The activity gathered domestic workers from Barangays Mandaragat, Sta. Monica, Bagong Silang, and Sicsican, focusing on improving their awareness of rights, benefits, and existing laws that protect workers in the domestic sector.
The program began with registration and preliminary activities, including a prayer, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn, and the acknowledgment of guests and participants. In her opening message, Elnie G. Iligan, head of the Workers Protection and Welfare Unit, stressed the importance of gender equality, safety, and the overall welfare of workers, particularly domestic workers.
Key topics discussed included the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program guidelines, Violence and Harassment Convention No. 190, and the Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act 11313. These measures aim to promote safe, inclusive, and humane workplaces.
One of the highlights of the activity was the launching of the Kasambahay System, which seeks to strengthen the protection and benefits of domestic workers through a more organized and systematic registration process.
The program concluded with closing remarks delivered by Anaclito Jumaran Jr. on behalf of Demetrio A. Lopez Jr., manager of the Puerto Princesa City PESO. He thanked partner agencies and participants and reiterated the importance of sustained advocacy for the dignity, safety, and welfare of domestic workers.
The DOLE and the local government said they will continue implementing programs that protect and empower domestic workers toward a fair and humane labor environment.
