Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara is now seeking the passage of a measure that aims to institute policies aimed at protecting the welfare of all Filipino caregivers.
Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara (Senator Sonny Angara Official Facebook Page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Angara, in filing Senate Bill No. 1089 or the proposed “Caregivers Welfare Act”, said it was high time the government established a mechanism for the protection and welfare of caregivers in the practice of their profession amid reports of harassment and maltreatment.
The senator noted that Filipinos in the caregiving industry are known for their compassion and warmth yet many of them are subjected to violence and economic exploitation.
“In recognition of the vital work of our caregivers in nation building, it is only fitting that the government recognize their profession so that they will be protected from any kind of abuses and maltreatment,” Angara said.
The bill, he said, primarily seeks to institute policies for the protection and welfare of caregivers who are employed and working in the country against harassment, violence and economic exploitation.
The measure further enumerates the specific benefits that are due them, and promotes their welfare towards a decent and safe working environment.
Angara said putting in place such policies will strengthen the country’s caregiving industry.
The lawmaker said it is expected that the demand for caregiving services in the Philippines would continue because of the country’s aging population and the increase of Filipinos with medical concerns and functional limitations.
“Apart from their good-natured characteristics, Filipino caregivers are also well-regarded for their exemplary work-ethic, knowledge and skills, which are all further enhanced by the various programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA),” he said.
“All these make our caregivers widely accepted and highly sought out around the world—making them among the country’s many unsung heroes,” the senator stressed.