Accenture scores big for mama

Business process outsourcing (BPO) giant Accenture has announced an unheard-of labor benefit in the Philippines effective September 1 – a maternity leave equivalent to 120 calendar days or the equivalent of four full months.

In a report, GMA News said that the 120-day maternity leave unveiled by Accenture is something that a number of legislators have been pushing to become a law to replace the Philippines’ statutory mandatory leave equivalent to 60 days.

“Accenture recognizes the valuable contribution and sacrifice of working mothers, who need more time off from work to focus on caring for their newborn,” GMA quoted Accenture country managing director Lito Tayag.

Accenture employs 35,000 people in the Philippines in Metro Manila, Cebu and Ilocos Norte.

Rep. Manny Pacquiao is moving for a 180-day maternity leave benefit with House Bill 3590. In a congressional hearing in March, a representative of the UNICEF said a 180-day maternity leave is necessary to ensure that babies get proper nutrition through breastfeeding. 

Many other lawmakers in the Senate and House are pushing for 120-day maternity leave. –End-

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