A bill has been filed in the House of Representatives seeking to provide monthly financial compensation to full-time housewives in recognition of their unpaid work and contribution to nation-building.
House Bill No. 3141, filed by Rep. Nathaniel “Atty. Nat” M. Oducado, proposes the “Nanay ng Tahanan Act,” which would grant ₱1,500 in monthly financial assistance to qualified housewives.
The measure targets families living below the poverty threshold, provided the housewife does not have any part-time or home-based compensated work. Beneficiaries must also be caring for at least one child aged 12 or below, or a dependent child with mental incapacity.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with local government units, will oversee the program using the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) database.
Conditionalities include ensuring that children are enrolled in public schools with at least 85 percent attendance, demonstrating responsible behavior in preparation for independence, and requiring families to attend quarterly barangay assemblies on responsible citizenship.
To keep up with inflation and wage adjustments, Congress would review the financial aid every three years in consultation with the DSWD. Funding for the program would come from both the national budget and local government appropriations.
If passed, the measure would mark the first time the Philippine government formally compensates full-time housewives for household work traditionally regarded as unpaid labor.
Business News Asia
