Child development workers’ rights bill pushed

Abill instituting the Magna Carta for Child Development Workers (DWs) is gaining ground in the Senate. Senate Bill No. 2118, sponsored by detained Sen/ Leila de Lima, seeks to provide security of tenure and social protection measures in times of sickness, disability or retirement to child day care workers.

Around 50,000 such workers stand to benefit once the bill is passed into law.

The bill is being pushed, not only by de Lima, but also by Senators Cynthia Villar, Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, and Maria Lourdes “Nancy” Binay as well.

The measure aims to provide gov- ernment recognition to the important role being played by child development workers or CDWs in the country in caring for young Filipinos.

The bill, now pending second reading, proposes at least one CDW I, with Salary Grade 6, and one CDW II, with Salary Grade 8, in all child development centers.

Duly appointed CDWs will enjoy security of tenure and will be protected by civil service rules and regulations.

The bill ensures that no CDW will be removed or transferred without just cause, due process, or prior consultation with the concerned CDW.

The worker will be provided with overtime pay, hazard allowance, subsistence allowance, free legal services, health benefits, as well as access to livelihood, loans and grants.

Under the bill, CDWs’ normal working hours shall not exceed eight hours a day or 40 hours a week, unless the local social welfare and development office (LSWDO) would require them to render services beyond their required working hours during emergency situations such as natural and man-made calamities.

The bill also ensures that qualified incumbent CDWs hired as casual, contractual or job order employment status shall automatically be considered candidates and given priority for appointment to permanent child development worker positions.

The measure also ensures that no applicant would be discriminated against on the basis of gender, religion, age, status, race or political affiliation.

The bill, which is now under Committee Report No. 523, has been signed by at least 16 senators.

The proposed Act covers all CDWs in Republic Act No. 10410 or the “Early Years Act of 2013” which are primarily engaged in the provision of early child development services and programs such as care, social development, education, protection, and other needs of children no older than four years old in all state-sponsored care centers.