Dagdag Sahod Para Sa Social Workers Act of 2025

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Shur of br REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 P 4:00 SENATE S.B. No.. RECEIVEDD INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT INCREASING THE SALARY GRADE LEVEL OF SOCIAL WORKER POSITION FROM SALARY GRADE 11 TO SALARY GRADE 15 AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Social work promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. It is grounded in the principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversity (IFSW, 2014). Social workers serve on the frontlines of implementing the government's social welfare and protection programs-including community development initiatives-to improve the lives of individuals living in poverty, those facing crises and emergencies, and others in vulnerable or disadvantaged situations. In the course of their work, social workers touch the lives of individuals, families, and communities in ways that go beyond the basic call of public service. To enable social workers to provide services more efficiently, compassionately, and effectively, the government must not only equip them with resources but also ensure they receive fair and just compensation. This bill, the Dagdag Sahod Para sa Social Workers Act, seeks to raise the entry- level salary grade of social workers from Salary Grade 11 to Salary Grade 15-the same level we have advocated for nurses, teachers, and other care professionals. In light of the above, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. RISA HONTIVEROS Senator

TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 JUL 14 P4:00 SENATE S.B. No. RECCIOU INTRODUCED BY SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS AN ACT INCREASING THE SALARY GRADE LEVEL OF SOCIAL WORKER POSITION FROM SALARY GRADE 11 TO SALARY GRADE 15 AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1, Short Title - This Act shall be known as the "Dagdag Sahod Para

sa Social Workers Act of 2025". Sec, 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared policy of the State to pay just and equitable compensation to all government personnel, including social workers, in accordance with the principle of equal pay for work of equal value, to 6 attract, retain, and motivate competent and committed civil servants.

Sec. 3. Coverage. - This Act shall cover all public social workers employed in

national and local government social work and social welfare and development services, occupying positions, now existing or hereafter created, regardless of employment status.

Sec. 4. Increase in the Minimum Salary Grade Level. - The minimum base pay

of social workers working in government institutions and agencies shall not be lower than Salary Grade 15 with an equivalent monthly salary as prescribed in the existing Salary Schedule for Civilian Employees; Provided that for social workers engaged in local government units, adjustments of salaries shall be in accordance with applicable laws.

Sec. 5. Authority of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). - The

DBM is authorized to adjust salary grades of social worker positions in government as

reflected in the occupational group, Social Welfare Development, under the present 2 Index of Occupational Services, Occupational Groups, Classes, and Salary Grades.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The funding sources for the amount necessary for

4 the implementation of this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act for 5 national government entities; Provided that for local government-hired social workers, it shall be charged against the respective funds of the local government in accordance 7 with the pertinent provision of this Act and Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local 8 Government Code of 1991.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DBM shall, within sixty

10 (60) days after the approval of this Act, prepare and issue the necessary guidelines to 11 implement the provision of this Act.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, decrees, executive orders,

issuances rules, and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the Official

Gazette or in one newspaper of general circulation. Approved,