KASAMBAHAY IN BATANGAS BEGINS NEW CHAPTER THROUGH DOLE LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM

DOLE-Batangas
2 days ago
3 min read

For more than 15 years, Celia Dela Cruz has worked as a kasambahay or domestic worker, trying to make ends meet for their family in Tanauan City, Batangas.

According to Nanay Celia, working as a kasambahay has its own share of struggles not just with the physical work but even with financial constraints.

But things changed after an Araw ng Kasambahay, organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region IV-A, celebrated the lives of domestic workers, took place, where ‘Nay Celia was among the participants.

During the celebration, a simple game was held in which participants were asked to pick envelopes placed on a table. The participant who picked the envelope containing the DOLE logo would win a special prize.

“Naglaro kasi kami noon… dalawa na lang kaming natira. Pinamili kasi kami ng sobre. Siya ang unang kumuha ng sobre sa table. Sabi ko kung sino ang swerte sa aming dalawa at sino ang makakakuha, edi iyon na lang. Eh sa akin napunta ang may logo ng DOLE,” ‘Nay Celia narrated.

More than luck, ‘Nay Celia believes the moment was a blessing—something she truly deserved after decades of hard work and perseverance.

According to her, she decided to leave her job at a company to work as a kasambahay when her mother fell ill and no one else could take care of her. Later on, when her husband passed away, she single-handedly raised and supported her child.

“Dati siyang (anak) nasa barko, tapos nag-resign siya at nag-abroad. Pero umuwi rin siya kasi biglang nagsara yung restaurant—wala pa siyang isang taon sa Riyadh. Ngayon dapat babalik siya kaso na-postpone dahil siguro sa giyera,” she shared.

When asked why she continues to work despite her age, ‘Nay Celia explained that she still needs to support her family’s needs, particularly the medical needs of her mother. She also said it is difficult to suddenly stop working when one has been accustomed to it for many years.

Because of this, Nay Celia expressed her gratitude after receiving livelihood assistance from DOLE, which would allow her to start a small “meryendahan” business and keep herself productive even during her days off.

Through the program, she received various equipment and supplies including street food ingredients, a hotdog waffle maker, a chest freezer, an ice crusher, and other cooking materials that will serve as her initial capital.

During the awarding ceremony, Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan also graced the event, congratulating the beneficiary and expressing her support for ‘Nay Celia’s new business venture.

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa DOLE kasi ngayon lang ako nagkaroon ng ganito—na nagbibigay ang DOLE ng ganyang kabuhayan sa aming mga kasambahay. Hindi ko na alam kung paano pa ako makakapagpasalamat sa DOLE. DOLE lang pala ang magbibigay sa akin ng ganito. Noon pa namin gustong magtayo ng ganyan, wala lang talagang puhunan,” ‘Nay Celia said.

In return, Nay Celia promised that she and her family would do their best to properly manage and grow the livelihood assistance they received.

Nay Celia’s story reflects the resilience and sacrifice of many Filipino women who tirelessly work for their families. It also serves as an inspiration for DOLE to continue strengthening its programs aimed at empowering women and supporting domestic workers across the country.

The beneficiary receives a meryendahan package that includes street foods and various cooking equipment. (Photo by Shaina Ariane Masangkay/ DOLE-BPO)

DILP Focal Ms. Salvacion Kalalo, Director Predelma M. Tan, and Batas Kasambahay Program Focal Ms. Maricel Villanueva congratulate Celia Dela Cruz as she receives her livelihood package. (Photo by Shaina Ariane Masangkay/ DOLE-BPO)