Nominations are open for an award scheme to honour the unsung heroes of the Philippines — domestic workers.
Ten inspirational household workers will each receive a trophy, 50,000 pesos in cash and a three-day luxury trip to Palawan. Employers will receive a plaque of appreciation.
The 2017 Kasambahay, Kasambuhay Pilipinas Awards has been launched by JCI Philippines in partnership with Palawan Express.
“We cannot go on applauding the accomplishments of only the high and mighty,” said Bobby Castro, JCI senator and chief executive of Palawan Express, during the launch.
“We must also laud meritorious service of the least of our people because they, too, are partners in Philippine progress.”
The winners of last year’s awards held in Puerto Princesa City included Gregoria Legarte of Batangas province, who has served three consecutive generations of employers, and Zenaida Zausa of Aklan province who has cared for a Parkinsons-afflicted man for the last 25 years.
This year, 10 exemplary household workers will be honoured — one each from Central and Northern Luzon, National Capital Region, Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao and five others selected on the strength of their life stories.
The awards are open to Filipino “yayas,’’ ‘‘lavanderas,’’ servants, cooks, family drivers, gardeners and other household workers who have faithfully served their employer for a minimum of seven consecutive years.
Winners are chosen based on life stories that express such Filipino values as selflessness, loyalty and love for others.
Nomination forms can be downloaded here.