Amid meager wages, TRABAHO Party-list takes up cudgels for daycare workers

(MANILA BULLETIN)

Noting that daycare workers earn as little as P1,000 per month, TRABAHO Party-list is pushing for stronger policies to improve the job security, salaries, benefits, training, and working conditions for the sector.

TRABAHO Party-list spokesperson lawyer Mitchell-David Espiritu noted they are also advocating for better benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave for daycare teachers and workers.

The party-list noted that only 22 percent of child development workers hold permanent positions, while many receive low wages as per data from the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council.

As such, TRABAHO is calling for legislative measures to grant permanent employment status to qualified daycare workers and ensure fair compensation that reflects their contributions to early childhood education.

Espirtu says the group is supporting increased government investment in early childhood education, aligning with UNICEF’s recommendation to allocate at least 10 percent of the national education budget to this sector. 

This funding would help improve daycare center infrastructure, provide necessary resources, and implement programs to enhance working conditions.

Beyond improving the welfare of daycare workers, TRABAHO also emphasizes the broader economic benefits of accessible and competent daycare services. With well-equipped daycare centers, working parents, especially mothers, can confidently engage in employment, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.

This allows businesses and workplaces to retain a more productive workforce while reducing absenteeism caused by childcare concerns, according to Espiritu.

By prioritizing the welfare of daycare educators, TRABAHO Party-list aims to strengthen the foundation of the country's education system and contribute to long-term national development. 

The labor group is set to push for these initiatives in the legislative arena, reinforcing its commitment to the advancement of early childhood education in the Philippines.