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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 6285

Introduced by Representative Rodolfo C. Farifias

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to declare January 18 of every year as “Araw ng mga
Kasambahay”, a nonworking holiday for all the kasambahay, Under Section
39 of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the “Domestic Workers
Act" or “Batas Kasambahay,” the date upon which the President shall
approve the “Domestic Workers Act” shall be designated as the “Araw ng mga
Kasambahay.” The Domestic Workers Act was signed into law on January
18, 2013.

Domestic workeror “Kasambahay” as defined under Section 4,
paragraph (d) of Republic Act No. 10361 refers to any person engaged in
domestic work within an employment relationship such as, but not limited
to, the following: general househelp, nursemaid or “yaya”, cook, gardener, or
laundry person, but shall exclude any person who performs domestic work
only occasionally or sporadically and not on an occupational basis.

Before the passage of Republic Act No. 10361, there were 2.9 million
domestic household workers in the Philippines who grappled with the harsh
conditions attendant to their everyday work and who had nothing to
safeguard their rights and welfare. This labor and social landmark
legislation embodies the recognition of domestic workers as heroes in our
households whose rights and welfare should be strengthened, protected and
Prompted:

7


The important role that domestic workers play in the growth of the
Filipino society cannot be disputed. Domestic workers dedicate their efforts
to promote the well-being of their employers. They ensure that the homes
they manage are in good and orderly condition. They cook, wash and iron
clothes, clean the house, take care of the kids and their pets, among other
household duties. With the help of domestic workers, employers have the
time and luxury to work and pursue their careers and still manage to have a
happy and healthy family.

Setting a special day for the kasambahay and declaring it as a
nonworking holiday for all the kasambahay in the whole country is a way
of giving due recognition and great appreciation for their invaluable service
they render to every home and family. January 18 shall be designated as
“Araw ng mga Kasambahay’, and our Kasambahay are given a work free
day in order for them to attend to the activities that may be organized by the
Department of Labor and Employment or to attend to their much needed
personal errands,

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

RO} C, FARINAS


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 6285

Introduced by Representative Rodolfo C. Farinas

AN ACT
DECLARING JANUARY 18 OF EVERY YEAR A SPECIAL NONWORKING
HOLIDAY FOR ALL KASAMBAHAY IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY TO BE
KNOWN AS “ARAW NG KASAMBAHAY”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. January 18 of every year is hereby declared a special
nonworking holiday for all kasambahay in the entire country to be known
as “Araw ng Kasambahay’. In the event that the special day falls on a
weekend, the special nonworking holiday shall be observed on the Friday of
that week.

SEC. 2. For purposes of this Act, the term “kasambahay/’ is defined
under Section 4 (d) of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the
“Domestic Workers Act” or “Batas Kasambahay,”

SEC. 3. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall, in coordination
with the Secretary of Education and the Director-General of the Philippine
Information Agency, plan and implement activities for the continuing
dissemination and information campaign to honor the kasambahay.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,