Menstrual leave benefit pushed in Baguio

Baguio City, Philippines – Women could agree that ‘that time of the month’ could be pretty painful, making moving around and performing tasks more challenging.

In fact, experts affirm that menstrual cramps could be as painful as those of a heart attack. This agonizing period cramp, or primary dysmenorrhea, is said to be experienced by 60–90% of women in their reproductive years worldwide.

To support women’s health and well-being, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of Baguio, John Rey Mananeng, filed an ordinance granting menstrual leave with pay to women working in the government and private sectors.

According to the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Baguio, the proposed measure seeks to give women in the city a two-day monthly menstruation privilege with pay equivalent to at least half of their basic salary.

Ladies availing the leave are also protected by the ordinance from ‘job downgrade or termination’ due to using the benefit.

For the effective implementation of the menstrual leave for women, the proposed enactment ordered the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations by the city mayor through the City Legal Office and the SK Federation president, which shall be subjected to the approval of the Baguio City Council.

The city council, meanwhile, has already approved the ordinance on first reading and referred it to the Committee on Social Services, Women, and Urban Poor for review.