DoLE uses Facebook to get public support for ‘Kasambahay’ bill passage

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz yesterday said she will utilize the largest social networking site, Facebook, to raise public awareness and to get support to the passage of the “Kasambahay” bill.

“The use of the social networks, like Facebook, is part of our strategy under the Action Plan for the ratification of Convention 189 and the passage of a national law on our Kasambahay,” Baldoz said.

She said the bill would benefit household workers (maids, cooks, yaya, houseboys) in Metro Manila which would give them P2,500 as monthly minimum wage, while those in chartered cities will receive P2,000.

Senate Bill 78 also requires employers to secure membership and benefits from Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG.

“It is also part of our communication strategy to generate interest and raise the level of public knowledge and awareness on promoting and protecting the rights of Filipino domestic workers,” the labor chief said.

Baldoz said the DoLE’s Labor and Communications Office has opened a site called “Support Kasambahay” on Facebook to provide online ‘netizens’ a venue to find out what ILO Convention 189 and the Kasambahay bill are all about and to express their views and comments on these two landmark documents.

“The “I Support Kasambahay” Facebook page aims to publicize the events and activities of the DoLE under its Action Plan for the ratification of ILO Convention 189. It also seeks to raise the level of knowledge of the general public on the salient features of the convention and the benefits that will accrue to the country once it is ratified,” she added.

She reiterated her earlier statement that the adoption by the ILO of Convention 189 has been a major victory for Filipino domestic workers, and that the Philippines is leading the campaign for its ratification.

“The adoption of the Convention marks the worldwide recognition of domestic work as decent work by ensuring domestic workers’ protection, equal rights and equal opportunities. Our ratification of this landmark Convention and the passage of a national law aligned with it will complete that victory,” she said.

“This is the fastest and most accessible channel to reach our intended public as we continue to court more support to meet the bill’s passage, favorably by November 2011,” she said. –Mina Diaz, Daily Tribune