BY TIMOTHY JOHN D. REMORCA
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya (July 17, 2023)—In another groundbreaking For-The-People initiative the Sangguniang Panlalawigan has approved an ordinance granting menstrual privilege to female employees and workers of the provincial local government unit (PLGU) in this province.
This significant legislation which is the first for a PLGU in the country, dubbed as the “Nueva Vizcaya Empower Ordinance,” authored and proposed by Board Member Patricio Dumalo Jr., represents a progressive step forward in acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in the workplace.
Dumlao explained that the newly passed ordinance recognizes the physical discomfort, pain and emotional difficulties that many women experience during their menstrual cycle.
“By doing so, it aims to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where female employees can manage their menstruation more effectively,” he said.
The key provision of the ordinance is the introduction of a menstrual privilege in the form of granting two days of “work from home” arrangement per month.
Female employees and workers, especially the contract of service or COS and job order or JO workers will now have the option to work from home and still get paid during times of menstrual-related discomfort or pain.
This recognition of the physical impact of menstruation on women’s well-being reflects the provincial government’s passion for duty and commitment to prioritizing their health and providing necessary rest and recovery time.
Dumlao expressed his belief that it would foster a culture of understanding and respect saying that “the government is breaking barriers and empowering women in the workplace by normalizing the discussion around menstruation and providing the necessary support.”
He said the Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya’s passage of the menstrual privilege ordinance is momentous and signifies a commitment to supporting female employees and workers, fostering inclusivity, and working towards a more equitable society.
“With this legislation, Nueva Vizcaya sets a new standard for other regions to follow, marking an important milestone for gender equality and women’s empowerment,” Dumlao said.