Davao City Councilor proposes Waste Workers’ Magna Carta

Davao City Councilor Temujin Ocampo has introduced the “Davao City Waste Workers’ Magna Carta,” a proposed ordinance designed to provide health, safety, and social protections for both formal and informal waste workers. The measure passed its first reading during a recent City Council session.

The ordinance aims to institutionalize safeguards for garbage collectors, street sweepers, material recovery sorters, and informal waste pickers, such as “mangangalakal.” Ocampo highlighted that these workers are essential to maintaining the city’s sanitation, preventing urban flooding by clearing waterways, and protecting public health.

Key provisions of the proposed law include mandatory annual medical check-ups, bi-annual distribution of heavy-duty personal protective equipment, and vaccinations against tetanus, Hepatitis B, and typhoid. Additionally, the measure seeks to establish a minimum 10% monthly hazard allowance for salaried personnel and provide social security and livelihood formalization for those operating outside formal employment systems.