BEFORE Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson was arrested in Hong Kong, he and Baguio Representative Bernardo Vergara filed a proposed bill that seeks to provide incentives for household helpers.
Singson and Vergara said educational assistance should be given to them.
In their proposed bill, Singson and Vergara said tuition discounts and scholarship grants to deserving household helpers could be appropriated by government.
The proponents say the bill aims at giving more meaning to government’s advocacy of rendering free education to those who cannot afford.
The proposal also emphasizes the state’s commitment to provide all sectors of society ample opportunity to develop their skills and acquire other forms of employment later on.
“The household help industry is one of the most marginalized sectors of the society. They are not governed by any law which specifically ensures the protection of their rights and welfare. Unlike private government -workers, household helpers do not have medical, minimum wage, social security and leave benefits.”
Singson and Vergara said considering the amount of work rendered by household help in improving the quality of life of their employers, the bill, if passed into law ensures these helpers are fully integrated into the society by helping them pursue their education at the lowest possible cost, or better still - none at all.
“Their-literacy level must be raised to make them more productive and become better members of the society.” (Rimaliza Opiña)