ZAMBOANGA CITY – 12 talented and confident Kasambahays working within Zamboanga Peninsula vied for the title as Miss KasamBESHIE 2018 during the Grand Coronation Night held on May 5, 2018 at the KCC Mall de Zamboanga East Wing Activity Center in celebration of the KasamBESHIE Day initiated by Department of Labor and Employment Regional Coordinating Committee 9.
Regional Director and RCC Chairperson Director Ofelia B. Domingo shared that the Search still forms part of the month-long Labor Day Celebration and it aims to drum up more awareness of the Kasambahay Law or Republic Act No. 10361 which is landmark law that covers protection and welfare of domestic workers and strengthens respect, protection and promotion of the rights and welfare of domestic workers. She added:
“Our Kasambahays also deserve to be honored for all their hard work and dedication for they are also valuable members of the society.”
The candidates were selected through a special screening process last April 29, 2018 at KCC Mall de Zamboanga where 26 aspiring candidates passed through 3 screening judges. All applicants were interviewed and asked to perform their prepared talent piece.
More than just a pageant, the Search for Miss KasamBESHIE also endeavored to educate the Kasambahay participants and their employers on the Kasambahay Law, Employees Compensation Program, Single Entry Approach as alternative method of dispute resolution, Occupational Safety and Health as well as other Statutory Benefits for Workers prior to the screening at Village restaurant, this city. 26 Kasambahays were registered and profiled adding to the Region 9 database of Domestic Workers.
To become a true vehicle of change for their fellow Kasambahays, the participants were organized into the Zampen Kasambahay Association with the aim of becoming partners with DOLE RCC and advocating its programs and services in hopes to enhance the working conditions of Kasambahays in Region 9. The elected officers of the association took their oath during the Coronation Night officiated by Director Domingo.
The official candidates went through a series of exposures at the Coronation Night such as Production Number, Casual Wear, Long Gown, Talent and Question & Answer. Long gowns and make-up services were freely provided for the candidates. Special awards were given to outstanding candidates along with cash prize and gift packs.
Only 5 candidates advanced to the final round of Q&A where they were asked “If given the chance to talk to President Rodrigo RoaDuterte, what would you tell him?”
After the judges’ deliberation, Miss MerceditaGaballo from Camanchile Drive was crowned as the first ever Miss KasamBESHIE 2018 taking with her PHP 15,000 cash, sash, crown, bouquet, a glass top stove and pressure cooker plus a scholarship from TESDA. Meanwhile, Angel Sweet Perez from Gutalac, Zamboangadel Norte, EvalynMedallo, NhopNaigar and Sandra Daguino, all from Zamboanga City garnered 1st to 4th Runner Up awards respectively. All winners went home with cash prizes and appliances. Non-winners also received PHP 1,000.00 cash and gift packs. Another good thing is that all 12 candidates are recipients of livelihood starter kits from DOLE 9 and scholarship from TESDA.
In addition, outstanding Kasambahay employers dubbed as “Lodi Employers” were also given due recognition for their invaluable contribution and support as Employer to the protection and welfare of Kasambahays by providing other added benefits on top of the basic requirements. Among these additional benefits include sending their Kasambahays to school, paying them above minimum wage and giving them opportunities to travel.
Ms. Rosa Amsid came in 1st place followed by Ms. Antonia Tan and JacquelineAlbolaryo in 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The winners received Certificates of Recognition and cash incentives.
The newly crowned Ms. KasamBESHIE 2018 expressed her elation in winning the most coveted title saying, “Nag papasalamat po talaga ako sa DOLE at sa mga partners nila dahil naisipan nilang gumawa ng ganitong kompetisyon para sa mga kasambahay. Sa ganitong paraan, naipapakita naming ang aming galing at talent hindi lamang sa loob ng bahay. Masaya po kame na nabigyan kame ng ganitong pagkakataon. Sana po ay magpatuloy pa ito. (I would like to thank DOLE and its partners for creating such an initiative for Kasambahays. Through this, we are able to showcase our talent and capabilities not only inside the household we serve.. We are happy to be given such a chance. We hope this will continue).”
END/Karen Claire Q. Grafia