Following Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz’s instructions to effect the smooth implementation of the rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, or more commonly known as Batas Kasambahay, the regional offices of the Department of Labor and Employment designated a Single-Entry Approach Desk Officer (SEADO) who shall act as the Kasambahay Desk Officer in their respective areas.

“Questions on the implementation of the IRR of the Batas Kasambahay are unavoidable, especially during the first few weeks of its implementation. That is why having a DOLE personnel specifically assigned to handle queries and concerns in relation to the rules and regulations of the Batas Kasambahay is a good means to ensure that understanding can be fostered. This could lead to acceptance of the law, and hence, compliance,” Baldoz explained.

Administrative Order No. 207, Series of 2013, mandates the designation of a Kasambahay Desk Officers in every regional offices of the DOLE tasked to conciliate complaints filed by kasambahays in the respective regional office. They are also responsible for coordinating with other focal persons in the local government units with regards the implementation of the law.

The administrative order also tasked the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) and Human Resource Development Service (HRDS) to provide and facilitate training to capacitate the appointed Kasambahay desk officers in conciliating complaints filed in the regional office.

“Aside from having a dedicated desk officer attending to all Batas Kasambahay-related queries, the public can also contact the DOLE Call Center,” the labor and employment chief said.

The DOLE Call Center operates from 6:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Mondays through Saturdays and can be reached through telephone numbers (02) 527-8000.

On another note, the DOLE regional offices are likewise directed to initially provide hard copies of Batas Kasambahay Forms and attachments to barangays located within their respective areas of responsibilities.

“With the Batas Kasambahay already taking effect, we hope for a smooth implementation for the sake of our household service workers. It is really a high time that we give them the proper care and protection they need considering the necessary role that they play in our lives,” Baldoz said.

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