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[av_heading heading=’Know your rights, ‘sacadas’ from Antique told’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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SAN JOSE, Antique – Antiqueño migrant workers headed for sugarcane plantations in Negros Island Region undergo pre-employment orientation before they are deployed.
The orientation ensures the workers, locally known as sacadas, know not only their responsibilities as stated in their contracts but also their rights and privileges, said Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial director Lorraine Villegas.
Two batches of workers attended the orientation that DOLE focal officer for migrant workers Benjie Requintina held with Angeline Javier from the provincial government’s Sacada Desk on Oct. 12.
Requintina told the workers they must have decent shelter and Social Security System and PhilHealth coverage.
Women sugar migrant workers are entitled to a P5,000 maternity benefit from the DOLE.
He also stressed the need for the workers to be healthy and safe and to maintain good relations with coworkers to avoid conflict.
If they are interested, the workers may also avail themselves of skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority during off-planting and milling season.
In case of death, the workers’ families are entitled to a P10,000 death claim under the DOLE’s Social Amelioration Program.
The Labor department also offers scholarships for the sacadas’ children who want to go to college.
The migrant workers were given the DOLE hotline number, which they may reach in case they need assistance. (PIA/PN)
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