DOLE reports low turnout of kasambahay registration

DUMAGUETE CITY — The DOLE in Negros Oriental has reported a low turnout in the registration of kasambahays (domestic helpers) and employers during the Kasambahay Day activity held in this city last Sunday.

DOLE's senior labor and employment officer Sandra Delfin said only 127 house helpers and 12 employers availed themselves of the free services at the "one stop shop" desk for mandatory enrolment with SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG, as provided for by Republic Act 10361 or the Domestic Workers Act.

Of the total kasambahays who registered, 46 were male and 81 female, while all the employers who enrolled their house helpers were all female, according to Delfin.

It was the first Kasambahay Day observance, as mandated by law. "We are trying to increase awareness of our employers and their domestic workers on their benefits," she said, while admitting that the low turnout was expected. — (FREEMAN)