MANILA, Philippines- Isang panukalang batas ang inihain sa Kamara na humihiling na mabigyan ng dagdag na sahod ang public social workers.
Sa ilalim ng House Bill 7573 na inakda nina Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte, Benguet Rep. Eric Yap at ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap ay isinisulong na gawing Salary Grade 13 ang entry level o katumbas ng P31,320 ang sahod ng public social workers mula sa dating Salary Grade 10 na P23,176.
Kasama sa public social workers ang registered social workers sa government service kabilang ang mga nasa na-hire sa pamamagitan ng job orders o contract of service.
“Public social workers go through extreme lengths to make our citizens feel the government’s presence and assistance, and it is only appropriate to establish necessary measures to recognize their heroic deeds and invaluable dedication,” nakasaad sa panukala.
Sinabi ni Duterte na bagamat naisabatas ang Republic Act 9433 o Magna Carta for Public Social Workers Act ay nanatiling “least incentivized” ang mga public social workers sa kabila ng malaking kontribusyon nito lalo sa panahon ng sakuna.
“Social workers are like shock absorbers. They help our countrymen in times of personal crisis, disasters and other emergency situations. Despite this, public social workers are the least appreciated as shown by the compensation they receive, which is grossly disproportionate to the tiring work and hours they put in as government frontliners,” giit ni Duterte.
