MANILA, Feb. 12 -- Deputy House Speaker and Las Pinas City Rep. Camille Villar on Monday urged her colleagues to pass a bill seeking to protect and provide health and financial assistance to waste workers throughout the country.

"They play a vital role in solid waste management and contribute greatly in protecting the environment. Despite their importance, waste workers are some of the most under-appreciated and unprotected workers," Villar said in a statement.

Under her House Bill (HB) 9806 or An Act Establishing the Waste Workers Health and Welfare Act Program, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be tasked to handle the program designed to safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of waste workers in the country.

"W...