On the last day of the election campaign, TRABAHO Partylist honored Filipino mothers and reiterated its commitment to the increased support for labor policies in favor of Filipino mothers, emphasizing the urgent need for policies that address the unique burdens shouldered by working moms, full-time homemakers, and solo parents.
In collaboration with celebrity host Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, a working mother herself, TRABAHO Partylist (no. 106 in the ballot) honored all mothers through a heartfelt reel, illustrating the various hats mothers wear in the household alone- from cooking meals, cleaning the house, taking care of the laundry, rendering budget accounting, to providing financial support to their child.
This was accompanied by a caption akin to a job posting, stating: “We’re Hiring!
24/7 duty
No rest day
All-around work
Can work under pressure
All other duties as may be required by the circumstances
PhP 0.00 salary
Contract period: Lifetime”.
The job posting was looking for a worker qualified for a lifetime role, with broad duties and responsibilities, but cannot expect even a peso in return. Indeed, the job posting referred to mothers.
Nevertheless, the pro-labor group emphasized that the unique role of mothers should not be made an excuse not to empower mothers, as well as to legislate laws to alleviate their struggles in managing their personal responsibilities while continuing to grow in their careers.
In a recent poll conducted by survey software company Milieu Insight, 66% of Filipino mothers reported that they find it difficult to balance work and family commitments, the highest among Southeast Asian countries surveyed. Citing the same survey, TRABAHO Partylist spokesperson Atty. Mitchell-David noted, “79% of Filipino moms believe that the implementation of flexible working hours or remote work options is a key way their workplaces could better support them.”
“Indeed, flexible work arrangements are no longer just perks, they are necessities for Filipino mothers, and we look forward to developing this into a standard policy backed by legislation,” the lawyer added.
As the country prepares to honor its mothers, TRABAHO Partylist urged both government and private sector stakeholders to adopt measures aimed at uplifting the lives of Filipino mothers, which include flexible work arrangements, enhanced parental leave, support for solo parents such as additional leaves and benefits, and on-site childcare facilities.
“Empowering mothers means empowering the next generation of Filipinos,” concluded Espiritu.
