DAVAO CITY – At least 200 housemaids here received on March 5, Sunday, souvenirs and cash aid from the Office of First Congressional District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte during the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Kasambahay Day at SM Annex in Ecoland.

Rep. Duterte’s team, led by his son Rodrigo “Rigo” Duterte II, distributed drawstring kit backpacks, reusable tote bags, and cash aid to all housemaids who attended the event dubbed “Kasambahay Fun Day.” Rigo came to the event as guest speaker for his father. 

The lawmaker expressed his gratitude to the DOLE–11, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), the Pag-Ibig Fund, and the Social Security System (SSS) as they unite and work on this program for the housemaids.

“Kung tan-aw sa uban tao sayun lang ang trabaho sa atong mga kasambahay, ako nasayud nga dili kani tinuod (If the people think that the job of a housemaid is easy and simple, I can attest that it is not that easy and simple),” Rigo said.

Rigo said housemaids sacrificed a lot of things, including their loved ones, just to become effective housemaids to someone else’s household. He added that others had experienced physical abuse from other employers during their employment.

“Busa sakto lang nga tagaan sila ug pagtagad ug ihanyag ang tagsa-tagsa ka mga prebilihiyo ug katungod alang kanila (That’s why it is only just to look after them and grant them privileges and rights),” Rigo said.

He said he hopes that through this Kasambahay Fun Day, there are still more programs for all the housemaids in the city and that he also hopes that the attendees will learn a lot from the event organized by the Philippine Government agencies.

Rep. Duterte would also like to inform the housemaids that his office is open to help them should they need further assistance. The First Congressional District Office has been assisting residents of the First District and other residents in the city who require help.

The Kasambahay Fun Day was participated by the housemaids enrolled in the Alternative Learning System–Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS–A&E) of the Department of Education (DepEd). Aside from discussions, the attendees also showcased their talents in singing and dancing.

According to DOLE-Davao assistant regional director and lawyer Jason P. Balais, the activity is their tribute to all housemaids who work very hard to ensure quality service to their employers. He added that housemaids are always part of every success of your employers.