AFTER the Labor Day commemoration, Trabaho Partylist called for the standardization of a calamity leave policy to support affected workers whose daily lives and livelihoods have been affected by the magmatic unrest of Kanlaon Volcano and the eruption of Bulusan Volcano.
The proposed measure seeks to provide employees in both public and private sectors with paid leave during times of natural disasters, allowing them to address personal and familial needs without the added stress of work obligations.
As of this writing, the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-Phivolcs) has raised the alert level of Kanlaon Volcano from Alert Level 2 (increasing unrest) to Alert Level 3 (magmatic unrest).
"Natural calamities like volcanic eruptions not only endanger lives but also severely impact the livelihood and well-being of our workers," said Atty. Mitchell-David L. Espiritu, spokesperson for Trabaho Partylist.
"It's imperative that we institutionalize support mechanisms, such as calamity leave, to help our fellow Filipinos recover and rebuild," Espiritu added.
Just three days ago, a phreatic eruption occurred from the summit of Bulusan Volcano accompanied by at least 54 volcanic earthquakes.
The lawyer spokesperson urged that the recent volcanic activities and earthquakes require urgent policies and proactive intervention to help the workers.
“Ashfall from the eruption has disrupted transportation, compromised health conditions, and necessitated immediate attention to damaged properties,” he cited.
Trabaho Partylist emphasizes that implementing calamity leave is not just a matter of labor policy but a crucial step towards comprehensive disaster response and resilience.
"Our workers are the backbone of our economy. Providing them with the necessary support during times of crisis is both a moral obligation and a practical necessity," Espiritu emphasized. PR
