In honouring their hard work and efforts, DOLE XI annually conducts the Kasamabahay Day, a day wherein Kasambahays can enjoy and have fun.
Kasambahay Day celebration is organized by the Department of Labor and Employment XI with its partner government agencies that aims to encourage the “kasambahays” to value their work and to let them feel that the government is appreciating their efforts and contribution in nation building.
This activity was initiated by the TASK Kasambahay or the The TASK (Tulong Alay para Sa kaunlaran ng Kasambahay) Kasambahay Group, an inter-agency cooperation consist of the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) Davao Region, Social Security System Davao Region (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation XI (PHIC), Department of Interior and Local Government XI (DILG), Technical Education Skills Development Authority XI (TESDA), Philippine Information Agency XI (PIA), Department of Education XI (DepEd XI), San Pedro College (SPC) and Liga ng Mga Barangay – Davao City
Now on its 5th year, the activity took place last February 4, 2018, at Grand Regal Hotel, Lanang, Davao City and was participated by 250 kasambahays from all around the Davao Region, most of the participants are kasambahays who are also enrolled under DepEd’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).
This year celebration, with the theme: “Pagkilala at Pagbibigay Halaga sa ating mga Kasama sa Buhay,” was not just an avenue for the Kasambahays to showcase their talents and skills but this is activity also served as one stop shop for Kasambahays to know more and inquire/avail of SSS, HDMF and PHIC registration and other queries which are deemed important for their employment.
During the program, DOLE XI’s Assistant Regional Director Atty. Evelyn R. Ramos highlighted the importance of every kasambahay in every household and that we should also be grateful to the efforts that these kasambahays are exerting for our families.
“Valuable kaayo inyong role sa balay. Dili ma successful inyong mga amo kung wala mo dira (Your role in a household is valuable. Your bosses will not be successful if you are not there),” ARD Ramos said.
It was followed by an inspirational message from Ms. Maria Derma Fe Obiso, Sr. Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE Davao Del Sur Field Office. She shares her work experience as a kasambahay during her earlier years and how she was able to achieve her professional success today despite the hardship that she has faced as a kasambahay. She also gave tips on how to become successful to the participants.
Ms. Obiso also emphasized that each kasambahay should not give up with his/her dreams for it will serve as a fuel from them to strive harder.
“Poverty is not a hindrance to success. Life is what we make it, make it great,” she shares as her ending quote to the participants.
After that, an orientation on the different government services was given by Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) Davao Region, Social Security System Davao Region (SSS), and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation XI (PHIC) to equip the Kasambahay’s with basic knowledge on how they can avail the said services.
It was then followed by activities focused on the recreation, health and wellness for the Kasambahay’s such as free haircut, manicure, massage, parlor games and impromptu talent showcase wherein prizes were also given to the winners and performers.
“Dako kaayo among pasalamat sa DOLE ug sa TASK Kasambahay kay natagaan mi ug ani na activity para adlaw namo para maka lingaw-lingaw ug enjoy uban ang among mga kaubanan na kasambahay (Malaki ang aming pasasalamat sa DOLE at sa TASK Kasambahay dahil binigyan kami ng ganitong programa kung saan pwede kaming mag saya at maglibang kasama ang ibang mga kapwa kasambahay namin),” said by one of the participants from Davao Oriental.
The activity ended by the giving of tokens of appreciation to the kasambahays for actively participating in the activity.#
By Katrina Guilonsod/DOLEXI
