Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE WASTE WORKERS' HEALTH AND WELFARE 
PROGRAM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
According to story featured on Rappler on April 21, 2024, waste workers, which include 
garbage collectors, waste pickers, segregators and recyclers, receive wages as low as P2000 per 
month. For the key role that they play in the essential task of waste collection where they are 
exposed to possible bio-hazards and other hazardous substances, they receive no health benefits 
nor any insurance. 
Given the challenging working conditions faced by waste workers, despite their vital role 
in society, it is essential for the state to offer comprehensive support. This law seeks to establish 
a robust health and welfare program to address the needs of waste workers by ensuring access to 
healthcare, protective equipment, and occupational safety training. Additionally, the bill provides 
opportunities for educational and financial assistance to further support their well-being. 
It is important for society to recognize the valuable contributions and sacrifices made by 
waste workers and take meaningful steps to improve their working conditions. The passage of 
this legislation not only reflects our gratitude for their relentless efforts but also demonstrates our 
commitment to building a fairer and more just society. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
January 13, 2025
5:30 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Batasan Hills, Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
Introduced by  
HON. ATTY. GERVILLE “JINKY BITRICS” R. LUISTRO 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE WASTE WORKERS' HEALTH AND WELFARE 
PROGRAM, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Sec. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Waste Workers' Welfare Act of 2024." 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the health, safety, and 
welfare of waste workers in the Philippines through the establishment of a comprehensive 
program that provides benefits, education, and training, and ensures access to proper equipment 
and facilities, in recognition of the critical role they play in maintaining the country's cleanliness 
and sustainability. 
Sec. 3. Definition of "Waste Worker". - For the purpose of this Act, "Waste worker" refers to 
any person engaged in the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of solid waste, and 
includes, but is not limited to, garbage collectors, waste pickers, recyclers, and landfill and 
dumpsite workers. 
Sec. 4. Waste Workers' Welfare Program. - The Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE), in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Governments and the 
Department of Health (DOH) shall establish and administer the Waste Workers’ Welfare 
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Program, designed to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of waste workers in the 
Philippines, which shall include the following components: 
 
a) Registration and Monitoring System - A system for the registration of waste workers, 
necessary for them to be covered under this Program. 
b) Health Coverage and Benefits - A package of healthcare benefits, including free annual 
check-ups, vaccinations, and hospitalization assistance, in partnership with the DOH and 
the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). 
c) Occupational Safety Training - The provision of regular training programs on methods, 
techniques, and the proper use of personal protective equipment to minimize the risks 
associated with waste handling. 
d) Personal Protective Equipment - The mandatory provision to waste workers of suitable 
and adequate personal protective equipment free of charge by their employers or 
agencies. 
e) Educational Assistance - The facilitation of access to educational assistance programs 
and scholarship grants for waste workers and their dependents. 
f) Financial Assistance - The institution of a loan program under the auspices of the 
Department, in collaboration with qualified financial institutions, to provide waste 
workers with low-interest loans for housing, emergency situations, or the establishment 
of sustainable livelihood businesses. 
 
Sec. 5. Funding - The necessary funding for the implementation of the Waste Workers Welfare 
Program shall be charged against LGUs’ respective Local Government Budget, with the 
exception of (e) and (f) under Section 4 of this Act, of which shall be provided under the annual 
General Appropriations Act budget of DepEd and CHED, and DOLE, respectively. Provided, 
that in the case of the abovementioned exceptions, LGUs are encouraged to develop their own 
educational and financial assistance programs and provide funding therof. 
 
Sec. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DOLE, DILG, DOH, and other relevant 
stakeholders and other government agencies, shall promulgate and publish the necessary 
implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within ninety 
(90) days from the effectivity of this law. 
 
Sec.7. Separability Clause. - If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, 
the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and 
subsisting. 
 
Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. -Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of 
instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent or contrary to the provision of this Act is hereby 
repealed or modified accordingly. 


 
Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,