CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–Two kasambahays from northern Mindanao, namely Jessa Bation of Iligan City and Meralyn Madria of Cagayan de Oro City, elicited recognition from the 2023 Sampung Natatanging Kasambahay ng Pilipinas organized by the Office of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Republic Act No. 10361, the Domestic Workers Act, or Batas Kasambahay, January 25, in Manila.
Both told their stories in a way that met the requirements set by the Office of the Senator. Their stories show that Filipinos love their families, are loyal, and have great work ethics.
Madria is a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student at Golden Heritage Polytechnic College, here.
As a housekeeper for 10 years who wanted to go back to school to get a degree, her life has never been easy, especially since her older sister has special needs.
“I need to graduate to find a job—and I am working hard, not to be a housemaid forever,” the awardee disclosed.
Meanwhile, Bation successfully passed the licensure examination for teachers amid challenges. She starts her week with all-around house chores, and babysitting while attending weekend school at the Santa Monica Institute of Technology in Iligan.
DOLE NorMin Regional Director Albert Gutib praised the national winners for their outstanding service as housekeepers and as “real parents” to the children of their respective employers, all while showing their love for the family and pulling themselves and their loved ones out of poverty.
Gutib said that the winners were covered by DOLE Advisory No. 10, which says that they are entitled to statutory leave and labor standard benefits. This improved their rights as household workers and gave them things like 13-month pay, 5 days of annual service incentive leave, one whole day of rest every week without interruption, and social protection benefits.
Estrada’s office got 200 nominations, but only 10 were chosen to get P30,000 and an extra P10,000 from Sen. Cynthia Villar.
The recognition was graced by Senators Cynthia Villar, Francis Tolentino, Robin Padilla, Bato Dela Rosa, and DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma. (DOLE-10/PIA-10)
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