Public social workers get more benefits with Magna Carta

2007/11/10

Public social workers get more benefits with Magna Carta

Davao City (10 November) -- Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza I. Cabral led yesterday's signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 9433 otherwise known as an Act providing for a Magna Carta for Public Social Workers. The signing which was attended by social workers from the local government units and other government agencies was held at the DSWD central office.

The Magna Carta seeks to improve the social and economic well-being of public social workers, as well as their working conditions and terms of employment to enable them to function better in delivering social services and programs. The law covers all registered social workers in government service whether holding permanent, casual and contractual position.

"With the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Magna Carta, our public social workers would feel rewarded for their hardwork. We also hope that this improvement shall encourage more people to follow the calling of social work," Secretary Cabral said.

At the same time, Social Welfare Undersecretary Luwalhati F. Pablo said "The law does not only guarantee the social workers of the compensation they have long deserved but the acknowledgment and recognition as well for their jobs that have always been very well done."

Secretary Cabral explained that the DSWD will head the Social Work Management and Consultative Council which shall oversee the implementation of the law.

Some of the benefits provided to social workers under the Magna Carta are: provision of additional allowances such as hazard, transportation/subsistence, housing and living quarters, longevity, clothing and "on-call" allowances; entitlement to leave benefits; compensation from injuries; protection from reassignment except in the interest of public service; security of tenure; freedom from coercion; and provision of human resource development and management trainings.

The Magna Carta also emphasizes that all government social work and welfare agencies and institutions shall be headed by a Registered Social Worker except for Cabinet and non-career positions.

The IRR shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the publication in newspapers of general circulation.

The initial funding requirement shall be charged against agency savings and thereafter, the monthly budget requirement shall be incorporated in the annual budget of the concerned agency.

Other signatories of the IRR are Karina Constantino-David, Chairperson, Civil Service Commission; Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno represented by Undersecretary Austere Panadero; Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Arturo D. Brion represented by Undersecretary Luzviminda Padilla; Mr. Froilan D. Maglaya, President, Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc.; Mr. Ernesto M. Montecillo, President, Association of Local Social Welfare and Development Officers of the Philippines, Inc.; Mr. Loreto Leo S. Ocampos, National President, League of Provinces of the Philippines; Mr. Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr, National President, League of Cities of the Philippines; and Mr. Ramon N. Guico, Jr, National President, League of Municipalities of the Philippines. (DSWD/sms-PIA XI)

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