BATANGAS DOMESTIC WORKERS RECEIVE WELL-DESERVED CELEBRATION IN ARAW NG KASAMBAHAY EVENT IN STO. TOMAS CITY

For decades, Ms. Aurora Balang has been serving various households as a domestic worker in Poblacion 3, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.

“Masarap po sa pakiramdam na ang mga nagiging amo ko ay sobrang babait, syempre dahil po mabait sila sakin, ibinabalik ko rin po sa kanila yung way po ng pag-trato nila sa akin,” she remarked.

Despite the challenges, for Ms. Aurora, being a domestic worker served as their bread and butter for their day-to-day needs.

“Malaking tulong po iyon sa amin. Ang asawa ko po ay kinsenas ang sahod, kaya yung pag-araw araw, sa akin na po yon. Nabibili ko po yung mga pangangailangan sa pang-araw araw,” Ms. Aurora shared.

In celebration of the sacrifices, dedication, and hard work of all the kasambahays, like Ms. Aurora, DOLE IV-A, through its Batangas Provincial Office, in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Sto. Tomas City, and various national government agencies, including the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG HDMF, PhilHealth, and TESDA, a day of meaningful learning sessions, shows, gift-giving, and fun activities were conducted at the 3rd Floor of the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Sto. Tomas City, Batangas, 16 January 2026.

DOLE IV-A Assistant Regional Director Nicanor V. Bon and DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan graced the ceremony alongside the officials of the local government unit of Sto. Tomas City, headed by Mayor Arth Jhun A. Marasigan, who recognized the significant contributions of all the domestic workers in the City.

After the opening ceremony, the participants learned various laws emphasizing their rights to social protection, statutory benefits, and other social services that they can avail under the DOLE.

They also watched various skills demonstrations under the TESDA, such as hydroponics and barista. Moreover, another highlight of the event was the game time and gift-giving activities for the kasambahays, which made their day fun and filled with joy.

Ms. Aurora expressed her sincere appreciation of the initiatives of DOLE in making these kinds of activities for the benefit of domestic workers like her.

Ms. Aurora received assistance from the DOLE during the Araw ng Kasambahay celebration at Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. (Photo by A. Magpantay)

“Malaki pong pasasalamat at naisali ako sa ganitong programa at dagdag kaalaman din po sa akin ito. Nagpapasalamat po dahil nandyan sila para sa aming mga kasambahay,” Ms. Aurora remarked.

Every year, the Araw ng Kasambahay is celebrated to emphasize the important roles and contributions of the domestic workers and to empower them with their rights under the Batas Kasambahay.#