Domestic Workers Summit 2011, Better Lives for the " Kasambahay "

        The Visayan Forum, the leading organization in the advocacy for the protection and development of the domestic workers, "kasambahay" in local dialect did successful  "3rd Domestic Workers' Summit 2011" last Nov. 9-11, 2011 at the Walter Hogan Hall, ISO, Ateneo de Manila, Quezon City.  It was well participated by the domestic workers themselves organized as SUMAPI, trade unions, civil society organization, employers informal sector associations, academe, government, and church based organizations.  The summit brought hope for the "kasambahay", with the adoption of the ILO Convention 189 towards decent work for them.

       Honored guests were  Vice-President Jejomar Binay, Hon. Rep. Jackie Enrile who talked about his Kasambahay bill and Hon. Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz of the Department of Labor.  Susanita Tesiorna, President of ALLWIES and Informal Sector Coalition of the Phils (ISP), chaired the conference on Social Security wherein Phil Health Vice-President on Membership, Vice-President of PAG-IBIG, an SSS Manager, presented innovations how the domestic workers can access their programs and sustain premium contributions given the situation that they cannot be permanently hired.  On the occupational safety and health, the OSHC director talked about the realities that exosting policies and programs are for industry based workplaces.  Ms. Tesiorna was able to bring the speakers commitments for more meetings with them to develop needs based or customized programs for the domestic workers.

       The SUMAPI leaders and members were all hopeful to have a grand X-mas gift from the House of Representatives this year with the passage of a Kasambahay Bill.  Last year, they had their gift from the House of Senate, the Senate version of the Kasambahay Bill.

        The ALLWIE/S sent eight (7) delegates to the Summit namely: 1)  Violeta Jamito from CARAGA, 2) Judith Buhay from Reg. 8, 3) Juliet Tigo from Zamboanga City, 4) Sandra Javier from Cavite, 5) Rodelio Gaviola from Region 3, 6) Gloria Madayag from NCR and  7) Bel Abellera from NCR.