SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sorsogon reaffirmed its commitment to protecting and empowering domestic workers through a whole-day learning and wellness activity dubbed “Puso Para Kay K: DOLE Cares” on February 26, 2026, as a post celebration of Araw ng Kasambahay.
By blending wellness with vital education, DOLE proves that caring for those who care for our homes is a top priority. As the Official Gazette of the Philippines notes, the Araw ng Kasambahay celebrated every January 18, serves as a yearly reminder of the dignity of domestic labor.
DOLE’s learning and wellness initiative went beyond recognition and appreciation, focusing into the Safe Spaces Act or the Republic Act No. 11313 and the Kasambahay Law or the Republic Act No. 10361, arming attendees with the knowledge to defend their rights and dignity in the workplace, and the access to government programs.
To make sure no one is left behind, representatives of Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG discussed the registration procedures, benefit coverage, and the importance of social protection enrollment.
Philippine National police (PNP) Sorsogon Women and Children Protection Desk provided vital briefings on preventing violence and seeking help, while Occupational Safety and Health Center shared pro-tips on keeping the workplace (the home) hazard-free.
Herra D. Habla, Labor and Employment Officer III and Batas Kasambahay Focal Person of DOLE Sorsogon, emphasized that many domestic workers remain unregistered in mandatory social security programs due to non-compliance by some employers.
She emphasized that enrollment in SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG is a legal right of household workers and encouraged them to assert this protection.
Habla also reminded workers that concerns on wages and benefits may be addressed through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA), a conciliation-mediation mechanism open to both employees and employers to ensure fair resolution of disputes.
Meanwhile, twenty participants were selected from the provincial Registration of Domestic Workers database, with priority given to qualified individuals for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
Beneficiaries received starter kits and tools to augment their income.
Edna Mae Lusuegro shared that the assistance enabled her to establish a small store. “It helped my family cope with financial challenges,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Rodrigo Rodriguez Jr., said the livelihood tools would reduce expenses and improve their earning capacity. “Because of this assistance, I don’t to buy tools anymore. I can focus more on gaining income using these tools I received,” Rodriguez said.
Habla also clarified that learning sessions remain open to walk-in domestic workers who wish to gain knowledge about their rights.
She also urged barangay officials to regularly update their Registration of Domestic Workers records to ensure that assistance reaches the intended beneficiaries.
Through “Puso Para Kay K,” DOLE underscored that its programs extend beyond emergency employment support — promoting long-term protection, dignity, and sustainable livelihood for one of the country’s most essential yet often under-recognized sector, the domestic workers or the kasambahays.