PAGADIAN CITY – The Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE)-Zamboanga del Sur Field Office conducted a
multi-stakeholders consultation on the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)
of Republic Act No 10361, otherwise known as “Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas
Kasambahay” yesterday at Chandler Suites this city.
RA 10361 is a new law instituting policies for the
protection and welfare of domestic workers which was signed into law by President Benigno S.
Aquino III on January 18, 2013.
The law is a landmark piece of labor and social
legislation that recognizes for the first time domestic workers as similar to
those in the formal sector. It strengthens respect, protection, and promotion
of the rights and welfare of domestic workers or kasambahay.
Lourdes B. Amores, DOLE-Zamboanga del Sur chief said
the stakeholders’ consultation was designed to raise public awareness and
knowledge on the salient provisions of the law aimed at providing adequate
welfare and social protection to domestic helpers.
“It also aims to solicit comments or inputs for the
finalization in the crafting of the IRR, because up to this time there is no
final IRR for the said law,” Amores added.
The salient provisions of RA 10361 was presented and
thoroughly discussed by Atty. Verna Kate Santos, Med Arbiter, MALSU, DOLE-9
In attendance were head of offices and representatives
from the PNP, DILG, SSS, PSWDO, Pag-Ibig Fund, PIA, academe, chamber of
commerce and non-government organizations. (PIA9)