DAVAO CITY (DSWD) – Over 200 male and female domestic workers attended the 4^th Kasambahay Day Celebration on Sunday at San Pedro College Gymnasium from 9:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m.

Led by the Inter-Agency Convergence Team for Tulong Alay sa Kaunlaran ng Kasambahay (TASK Kasambahay), the initiative aimed at giving tribute to the hardworking and committed ‘kasambahays’ in the region.

Dubbed as Kasambahay Showcase of Talents, the house helpers heartily showed off their creativeness in The Voice of Kasambahay and Kasambahay Got Talent. They also took home some prizes from the various parlor games that the organizers initiated.

TASK Kasambahay is composed of government agencies and civil society groups like SSS, DepEd, PHIC, DILG, TESDA, San Pedro College, DOLE, DSWD and HDMF.

Apart from TASK Kasambahay member agencies, participants were warmly welcomed by Dr. Desiderio Noveno Jr., SPC Ad-Interim President; Atty. Joffrey M. Suyao, DOLE Regional Director; and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio.

Republic Act 10361 also known as Kasambahay Law, Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay which took effect on February 3, 2013 and targeted at least 2 million Filipino domestic helpers, aims at establishing labor standards for domestic workers, enhancing coverage of social protection, protecting rights of domestic workers, professionalizing the relationship between the kasambahay and employer, informing and orienting parties of their rights and obligations, among others.

The Law covers all domestic workers employed and working within the country.

Further, the Law entitles domestic workers to benefits such as a set minimum wage; work leaves with pay; enrollment in insurance programs such as SSS, PHIC or PhilHealth, and HDMF or Pag-IBIG; and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law. (DSWD)