Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousE BILL No.  8658
RECEIVED
I     DATF
UL  2un
Introduced by HON. ANGELICA NATASHA CO
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE WASTE WORKERS' HEALTH AND WELFARE PROGRAM,
AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Waste workers play an indispensable role in our society as they diligently contribute
to maintaining the cleanliness and  orderliness of our communities.  Their vital work  in  the
waste management system ensures the proper disposal and  recycling of waste, which is
essential  for  the  overall  health  and  well-being  of  our  citizens.   Despite  their  significant
contribution, waste workers often face challenging and hazardous conditions in the course
of their duties.
This  bill  recognizes the  crucial  importance  of waste workers and  aims to  address
the pressing issues they encounter in their profession. Notably, waste workers are exposed
to  dirt,  pollutants,  and  potentially  harmful  substances  regularly,  putting  their  health  and
well-being at risk.  Moreover, the nature of their work also exposes them to the possibility
of contracting communicable diseases.
In light of these challenges, this bill seeks to mandate the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) to establish and administer the Waste Worker's Health and Welfare
Program. This comprehensive program aims to provide holistic support to waste workers,
ensuring their health,  safety,  and overall well-being.
The  proposed  Waste  Worker's  Health  and  Welfare  Program  will  encompass  several
essential components:
1.   Health  Coverage  and  Benefits:  The  program will ensure that waste workers  have
access to adequate healthcare services,  including regular medical check-ups and
treatments.   Additionally,   it  will   provide   them   with   health   insurance   coverage,
enabling them to receive timely and necessary medical attention.
2.   Occupational  Safety  Training:   To  enhance  workplace  safety,   the   program  will
institute mandatory occupational safety training for waste workers. This training will
equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate their work environment
safely,  reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.


3.   Personal  Protective  Equipment  (PPE):  Waste workers  will  be  supplied  with  high-
quality personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and safety gear.  By
providing  these  essential  items,  the  program  aims  to  minimize  their exposure  to
hazardous materials and safeguard their health.
4.   Educational Assistance:  The program will  extend educational  assistance to waste
workers  and  their  dependents.  This  initiative  aims  to  support  waste  workers  in
pursuing further education and career development opportunities, enabling them to
secure better livelihoods and brighter futures for their families.
5.   Financial   Assistance:   Recognizing   the   economic   challenges   faced   by   waste
workers, the program will provide financial aid during times of need. This assistance
may  include  support  for  emergencies,  medical  expenses,  and  other  unforeseen
circumstances, ensuring that waste workers receive the necessary aid to cope with
life's uncertainties.
Through  the  establishment  of the  Waste Worker's  Health  and  Welfare  Program,  we
express  our  deep  appreciation  for  the  dedicated  service  of  waste  workers  and  our
commitment to  their well-being.  By  prioritizing  their  health  and  safety,  we  acknowledge
their vital role in maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of our communities.
As   legislators,   we   earnestly   seek   the   approval   of  this   bill,   recognizing   that   a
comprehensive and supportive program for waste workers will not only improve their lives
but  also  contribute  to  a  cleaner,   healthier,  and  more  susfainable  environment  for  all.
Together, let us take this significant step towards ensuring the welfare of our waste workers
and building a more inclusive and caring society for everyone.
REP. A
A NATASHA A. CO
RTYLIST


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
HousE BILL No. 865 8
Introduced by HON. ANGELICA NATASHA CO
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:
SECTION  1.  Short ri.I/e -This Act shall be known as the  "Waste  Workers' Hea/th and
Welfare Act" .
SEC. 2. Dec/aralr.on of po//.cy --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. Deffni.fi.on of Waste Woflrfer-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' Hea/fA and We/rare Program. - The Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) shall establish and administer the Waste Workers' Health and Welfare
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 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 Fundi.ng. - The  necessary funding for the  implementation of the Waste Workers'
Health and Welfare Program shall be allocated from the annual General Appropriations Act
(GAA).  The  DOLE  may  also  accept  and  utilize  grants,  donations,  contributions,  or other
forms of assistance, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
SEC. 6. /mp/ementr.ng Rw/es and Regu/afr.oms. -The DOLE, in consultation with relevant
stakeholders and other government agencies,  shall promulgate and publish the necessary
implementing  rules and  regulations for the effective  implementation of this Act within sixty
(60) days from the effectivity of this law.
SEC.  7. Separabi./i.fy C/ause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be declared
unconstitutional   or  invalid  and   shall   not  have  the  effect  of  nullifying   other  portions  or
provisions hereof as long as such  remaining  portions or provisions can still subsist and be
given effect in their entirety.
SEC. 8, Rapea/ing C/ause. -All laws, executive orders,  issuances,  rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 9. Effecf7-y/.fy C/a«se. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in any newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,