Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session
aot 5289 2

House Bill No.

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay

EXPLANATORY NOTE

As one of the vulnerable groups, household helpers are not usually
‘endowed with proper education. More often than not, if they acquired education it
is only in the primary or intermediate levels. Without proper education, they will
find it difficult to climb the social ladder and improve their lives.

However, as constitutional fixtures, protection of the rights of workers and
promotion of their welfare are upheld in our country. This affirmation conforms to
the fundamental ideal of social justice which maintains the balance between
labor and management and considers the dignity of individuals regardless of their
social stature. Moreover, since the State gives the highest priority to education,
it is only plausible to reach out to those who are incapable of getting assistance
due to poverty or social neglect. Providing household helpers with essential
knowledge will not only enhance their services, but will transform them into more
productive citizens as well.

This bill seeks to provide household helpers with educational opportunities
through scholarships and similar grants.

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

EULOGIO “AMANG” R. MAGSAYSAY



FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ~ )
Second Regular Session )

House of Representatives
House BillNo. 0239

Introduced by Rep. Eulogio “Amang” R. Magsaysay

AN ACT
PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO HOUSEHOLD HELPERS
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,

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

SECTION 1, This Act shall be known as the "Household Helpers Educational
Opportunities Act of 2011."

SECTION 2. This shall cover all qualified household helpers as defined in the
Labor Code of the Philippines. Under the Labor Code, domestic or household
helpers are those who render service in the employer's home which is usually
necessary or desirable for the maintenance and enjoyment thereof and includes
ministering to the personal comfort and convenience of the members of the
employer's household, including services of, but not limited to, babysitter,
gardener, yaya, cleaning lady, laundry woman, and the like.

SECTION 3. All government-owned educational institutions shall provide
scholarships and similar grants to deserving household helpers which shall
include free tuition fee, subsidies and other incentives: Provided, that all
household helpers who apply for said scholarship program should pass qualifying
examinations and other screening requirements to be instituted by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), State Universities and the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

SECTION 4. Discounts to be granted to qualified household helpers under this
Act who enroll in private educational institutions shall be sixty percent (60%) of
the prescribed tuition fee.

In this Act, the term tuition fee shall refer to the cost of instruction per unit of
courses enrolled by a student, especially in a formal institution of learning.

SECTION 5. All qualified household workers shall be exempted from the
payment of miscellaneous fees charged by the schools.

SECTION 6. Prospective grantees may avail of the privilege under this Act in any
government-owned educational institution. The benefits must be claimed at the
time of enrollment by presenting an authentic certification signed by the employer
stating that the enrollee renders household services to him/her. The concerned
institution may be allowed to summon the employer for verification purposes.


SECTION 7. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE),
the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Skills and
Development Authority (TESDA) shall jointly formulate guidelines for the
availment of benefits under this Act.

SECTION 8. The amount necessary for the effective implementation of this Act
shall be charged to the appropriations of the government-owned educational
institution concerned. The Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), and the Technical Skills and Development Authority
(TESDA) may increase the funds necessary for the proper enforcement of this
Act.

SECTION 9. Any provision of law, decree, order, rule or regulations in conflict or
inconsistent with provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 10. This Act shall take effect 15 days after publication in at least two
(2) national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,