Okay Ka, Yaya Ko!: A Quick Review

The Okay Ka, Yaya Ko! workshop for household helpers was held more than a week ago. Auntie Emma (we call her Auntie since I'm not really comfortable calling her yaya) and my husband were late - well, they got lost. Di naman defensive, no? As much as I wanted to join them, we agreed that I will stay at home to take care of the little one.

Why so serious, auntie? via Manila Workshops Facebook page

When they got home, my son was as relieved as I am. And the first thing that we talked about was the workshop. Both of them had a lot to say about the event. Even if I wasn't there, I could tell that the money spent was worth it. I know, because the next day, our yaya can't stop talking about the things she learned. :)

Her very own certificate, wohoo! via Manila Workshops Facebook page

Based on what I gathered from Auntie and my husband, here's a quick review:

Plus

• She made new friends.
• She learned helpful tips especially on what to do during emergencies.
• According to her, the demonstration part was fun!

Minus

• The venue, It wasn't ideal for those who had to commute. It's difficult to find a cab within the village. And Auntie Emma had to share her lunch with my husband because there aren't any restaurants or turo-turo nearby.
• The morning session was uneventful. Okay, her actual term was "laay", which, in our dialect, would be akin to bored. No, the resource person wasn't boring, but to Auntie, the topics covered were already familiar to her. After all, she has almost 20 years experience under her belt.

Group picture via Manila Workshops Facebook page

If Manila Workshops will have another seminar covering advanced topics, I would enroll our yaya again. I do hope that they will have another venue that's more accessible.

Thank you, Manila Workshops, for making this happen :) Looking forward to join your upcoming events!

Okay Ka, Yaya Ko!

I have been meaning to write follow up posts related to SSS and Kasambahay Law, but due to some issues I have encountered, I shall put that on hold. I would prefer to write posts in a neutral tone-ahem, Must.Stop.Writing.About.SSS.PERIOD.

*Breathe in. Breathe out.* And change topic...

Our son's yaya is heaven sent. She used to take care of my husband's younger cousin. I can't tell you enough-we're so LUCKY to have her. As a way showing her our gratitude, we will do our best to comply with the Kasambahay Law.

I am glad that the law also gives household helpers the opportunity to continue their education. My mother once worked as a helper so that she could finish high school. And she found other jobs just to finance her college education. If my mother just gave up and accepted her family's situation, I'm not sure where I'll be right now. Whenever I look at our son's yaya, I couldn't help but think of my mother.

At 45, our yaya might feel she's a bit old to study. But I could still see her desire to learn. One night, I chanced upon her watching Animal Planet. She looked like a young kid who was amazed with what she saw. That gave me an idea.

At the moment, I am not sure if TESDA has Sunday classes, so I opted to look for available workshops. I found one workshop for yayas:

From Manila Workshops' website:

The training will include the following topics:
- Mahalin ang Sarili: teaching them about self worth and manners and etiquette, from Personal Hygiene (head to toe), Handwashing to Personality Development (honesty, loyalty), answering the phone, how to treat guests, Home Safety, etc.
- Responsibilities/Housework: teaching them on how to clean different parts of the house, how to dispose of garbage, laundry, ironing, etc. and also how to prepare food, teach them about food safety and allergic reactions and even healthier Alternatives
- Caring For The Elderly: teaching them on how to check vital signs, proper body mechanics, sleeping and exercise
- “KID”-centered: teaching them developmental stages, baby care (cleaning, bathing, feeding) and school (homework, bantay sa school, iwas chismis, baon), Social Opportunities, Hygiene, First Aid, etc.
- Iwas Stress sa Yaya: teaching them on ho to cope with stress

Perfect, di ba?  I like the Iwas Stress topic- this will be very helpful now that my son is in the terrible two stage.

I already signed her up. I hope she will enjoy the workshop. ;)

I'm not sure if there are still open slots, for  more information, kindly go to their website www.manilaworkshops.com.

Who's Afraid of the Kasambahay Law?

The much talked about Kasambahay Law (formally called Republic Act 10361) took effect last June 4.
Under the law, kasambahays (or household helpers) are entitled to a set minimum wage and basic benefits. Employers are mandated to provide SSS, Philhealth and HDMF benefits to their household employees.

Other things that we should be aware of:

• There should be a signed employment contract before the employee starts to work.
• Kasambahays are entitled to 13th month pay.
• Employers should provide a copy of payslip every pay day. The details should the amount paid and the deductions.
• Kasambahays are entitled to 24 consecutive hours of rest. In other words, they should have a day off.
• They are also given paid leaves (at least five days) if they have been in service for at least a year.
• Kasambahays are allowed to finish their basic education (elementary and high school). Employers are not required to pay for it.
• Employers may require pre-employment documents like birth certificate, medical certificate and police or NBI clearance.
• Hiring of employees below 15 years old is a big no-no.
• For household helpers earning less than 5000, the employers will shoulder the full amount of SSS, Philhealth and HDMF contributions.

We are happy about this development. However, I don't feel comfortable about the employment contract. On one hand, the contract will serve as protection for the two parties involved (employer-employee). On the other, we're used to treating them like extended family. It's like asking an aunt to sign a contract- I find it a bit awkward. But this has to be done, so I'll have to use the contract found in this document: http://www.bwc.dole.gov.ph/userfiles/file/IRR_of_domestic_workers_act.pdf

Now, I just need to summon enough strength to go to government agencies to register myself as an employer. I'm not crazy about it- with the long queues and cranky personnels- but this is a necessary evil.

to view the full infographic, go to: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/04/13/infographic-kasambahay-law