Filipino caregivers, who are regarded as some of the best in the world, should be given competitive compensation and benefits, and good working conditions to lure them to work in the Philippines, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said.
Citing data from Indeed, a local career website, the CHR said that the average monthly pay of locally-employed caregivers is P19,507 compared to the salary they receive in the United States at an average of P140,000 a month and in Great Britain at approximately P190,000 monthly.
"In contrast, the caregiving profession within the Philippines is given little value. Caregivers here do not earn adequate wages to support their basic needs, they lack job security, and, are often not guaranteed with full labor rights," the commission said.
This is the reason, the CHR said it fully supports Senate Bill No. 2019 (SB 2019), an Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Caregivers in the Practice of their Profession.
SB 2019 -- which was introduced by Senator Jinggoy Estrada together with Senators Sonny Angara, Francis Tolentino, Loren Legarda, and Ramon Revilla Jr. -- seeks to safeguard the rights of caregivers towards decent employment and income and protect them against abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.
The proposed legislation pointed out that the caregiving services in the country are expected to increase due to the aging population as well as the growing number of Filipinos with medical issues and functional limitations. The Department of Labor and Employment or DOLE even noticed the rising need of home-based caregivers in 2021 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, the CHR said it is about time the Philippines place more value on its caregivers considering the vital work they do to support and assist vulnerable individuals like infants, children, and dependent adults.
"A competitive compensation package and benefits as well as good working conditions must be guaranteed to them so they will choose to serve here in our country and not just gain experience here as a stepping stone to a more lucrative offer abroad," it stressed.
With SB 2019, the CHR said that more Filipinos would feel empowered to embrace the caregiving profession because they will be given adequate and timely compensation, safe working conditions, access to job security, and career benefits.
"Championing a legislation that promotes work dignity, equality, and fairness demonstrates proactive effort to continually improve the labor landscape in the country, particularly for the marginalized workers, such as caregivers," it said.
"We hope for the swift passage of this important measure. Prioritizing the plight of caregivers will not only benefit the said sector but is also foundational in strengthening the healthcare and support system in our country," it added.