NEWS ASEAN protocol for HIV/AIDS in migration proposed

A protocol for managing procedures on workers migration, including each cooperation and collaboration HIV/AIDS cases in migration repatriation and referral for country’s recruitment policies of ASEAN member states in has been recommended by reintegration; and create for and mandatory testing in addressing HIV/AIDS cases. the labor department to the HIV positive migrant workers workplaces. To further discuss the issue ASEAN member states. access to support services. Through strategic and and promote the migrant The recommendation aims to DOLE, through the Bureau harmonized agreements in workers’ rights and welfare, establish an agreement among of Working Conditions, is handling and responding an ASEAN-wide forum on sending and receiving countries currently reviewing the to health concerns related HIV/AIDS and Migration was on handling workers found current practices of ASEAN to migration, the protocol is conducted on the first week of positive for HIV; formulate nations on HIV and AIDS expected to further enhance the November 2018. (BWC) Employment facilitation strengthened P2

OVERSEAS

Vol. XXVII • No. 10 www.dole.gov.ph October 2018

Pinays learn Malaysian culture, laws

P5

THE REGIONS

Underpaid janitors saved by labor inspection

photo by King Rodriguez/Presidential photo P7 STRENGTHENED PROTECTION FOR OFWs. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan King Abdullah bin Al-Hussein engage in a discussion during a meeting on enhancing trade and bilateral relations, security and defense, and increased protection of the welfare of Filipino workers at the Al Husseinieh Palace in Amman, Jordan on September 6, 2018. THE GOOD NEWS Security of Tenure

Family shuns Bill pushed The Labor department throws its full support to the Senate in the final push for the passage child labor through of the Security of Tenure Bill (SOT) and officials are geared to provide necessary technical livelihood assistance to the senators as they hammer out their version of the job security measure. P8 (See page 2)

Aid to displaced KSA Orientation to OFWs NLRC’s hotline 8888 DOLE fetes best PESOs workers assured on-site standardized commended P2 P3 P4 P6 2 October 2018 Security of Tenure Bill pushed by Paul Ang

The Labor department has thrown its full support to the Senate in the final push for the passage of the Security of Tenure Bill (SOT). Secretary Silvestre Bello III instructed officials to provide all the necessary technical assistance to the senators as the Senate hammers out its version of the job security measure. Senator Joel Villanueva, labor committee chairman, sponsored Senate Bill No. 1826 or the “Act strengthening the workers right to security of tenure” now subject to plenary interpellation. “Upon orders and guidance photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS from Secretary Bello, we are providing assistance to the FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL CONTRACTUALIZATION. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III addresses the labor unions and women groups who trooped in front of DOLE Building in Intramuros, Manila to air their issues and concerns on illegal contracting scheme and other forms of abusive employment practices. lawmakers and to Senator Villanueva who sponsored for for its immediate enactment contracting arrangements. The be directly related to the main job contracting is provided with the passage of the measure. We to eliminate illegal forms of amendment will also clearly business of the company, such as a three-month financial support look forward to its immediate labor contractualization in the define the nature of the work and salesladies working in malls, they for employees in between job pe- advancement to the bicameral country. activities that may be contracted shall be considered as regular riods and conditioned on under- committee,” Aragon said. The proposed law will amend out. employees of the principal or going skills training or upgrad- Last September 21, President the Labor Code on the prohibition DOLE has been steadfast in its employer. ing under TESDA and accredited Duterte certified the SOT of labor-only contracting and position that should the duties Under the proposed law, a training institutions during the bill as urgent and requested other provisions that allow and responsibilities of a worker transition support program for period of unemployment. Aid to displaced KSA workers assured by Althea Louise D. Majan displaced overseas Filipino OFWs are set to arrive weekly Ninoy Aquino International that they were given a different the workers will be assisted in workers of Azmeel Contracting until December. Airport. contract by their company. finding alternative employment Corporation in the Kingdom of “When I asked the displaced He said that Azmeel promised Nonetheless, he expressed or engaging in their chosen Saudi Arabia will be assisted by OFWs, almost 100 percent to give the unpaid salaries of his gratitude to the Philippine livelihood undertaking. the Philippine government. wanted to be repatriated to the the OFWs and also provide for government for extending the As the displaced employees Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello Philippines. We understand that their fare back, adding that the necessary assistance to them and used to work in construction, III said this upon returning they are lonely and they miss agreement between the company expressed hope that their co- Bello said that he will coordinate from Dammam, with the first their families. Since the holiday and the Philippine government workers who were left behind with Secretary Arthur Tugade of batch of repatriated OFWs, season is almost here, we want was witnessed by KSA’s Ministry will be repatriated in the coming the Department of Transportation namely Catalino Palasigue, to bring back the OFWs to their of Labor weeks. and Secretary Mark Villar of the Victor Villanueva, Christopher loved ones. To fast-track their Michael De Guzman, who The first batch of OFWs were Department of Public Works Bulaong, Michael De Guzman, repatriation, we will shoulder served as the leader of the OFWs, already paid their salaries and and Highways as numerous Jorge Dela Cruz, Jayson Vasallo, first the travel expenses and said that aside from unpaid provided financial assistance projects under the Build, Build, and Reynaldo Ramos. Azmeel will just pay us,” Bello salaries, they were not issued an amounting to P20,000. Build program are in need of The succeeding batches of said in a press briefing at the Iqama (residence permits) and To facilitate their reintegration, construction workers. Employment facilitation strengthened

by Abegail De Vega DOLE-PALSCON JOB in keeping with the mandate FAIR CARAVAN. Labor to bring more employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III opportunities, the labor and Philippine Association of Legitimate Service department has partnered with Contractors (PALSCON) the Philippine Association of National President Legitimate Service Contractors, Rhoda Castro-Caliwara Inc. (PALSCON) to facilitate the ink a memorandum of understanding to conduct of a nationwide job fair further strengthen DOLE’s caravan. employment facilitation Labor Secretary Silvestre program through a Bello III said the partnership nationwide job fair caravan. Witnessing focused on reaching more the event are Labor jobseekers nationwide and Undersecretary Renato expanding access to labor Ebarle, Bureau of Local market information, thus further Employment Director Dominique Tutay, and support DOLE’s mandate of PALSCON Director Froilan improving the local labor and Florendo. employment situation in the photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS country. “Aside from generating job to the Filipinos,” Bello said. “Job ko ‘to: Secure ako dito dahil enhancement and growth job fair caravan, as well as in opportunities and collectively Under the Memorandum may trabaho for Every Juan.” during the implementation of monitoring the implementation employing workers in a manner of Understanding (MOU) The job fair caravan will the program. of the program. prescribed by labor laws, I signed by Bello and PALSCON conduct training and human On the other hand, DOLE Also, the Bureau of Local commend the organization’s National President Rhoda resource development activities, Regional and Field Offices shall Employment will provide share and initiative in pushing Castro-Caliwara, a nationwide and create training modules provide technical support, PALSCON access to data for domestic growth by helping PALSCON Job Fair caravan will and information campaigns guidance, and direction to and information to promote us in bringing job opportunities be launched with the tag line: relative to the workers’ welfare, PALSCON in the conduct of the employment in the country.

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment October 2018 3

DAVAO CITY -- Thirteen Public Employment Service Offices Hall of Fame awardees cited (PESOs) were recognized by the labor department for their exemplary delivery of job facilitation services at the Best PESO Awards Night. DOLE fetes best PESOs Capping the 18th National PESO Congress at the SMX Convention Center, the awards night was the culmination of the annual search that recognizes the significant contributions and outstanding accomplishments of PESOs in the implementation of the employment facilitation programs of the Department of Labor and Employment. Among the awardees, PESO San Juan, Abra; PESO Masinloc, Zambales; PESO Panabo, Davao del Norte; PESO Northern Samar; and PESO Iloilo received the Hall of Fame Awards for besting other employment service offices for three consecutive years in their respective categories. Of the entries submitted to DOLE’s Bureau of Local Employment, 41 PESOs qualified to the search and were rated based on impact of services, awards received, and active involvement in any organization which contributes to employment. The best PESO nominees were clustered in eight categories -- Job photo by Jomar Lagmay, IPS Placement Office (four nominees); HALL OF FAME AWARDEE. Davao Representative and Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Karlo Alexei Nograles and Cagayan 3rd District Representative and House Committee on Labor and Fifth and Sixth Class Municipality Employment Chairperson Randolph Ting present to the Province of Iloilo (Region 6) PESO Manager Francisco Heller the Best Public Employment Service Office (PESO) award, First Class Province category, (two nominees); Third and and the Hall of Fame Award for winning in three consecutive years under the same category during the 18th National Public Employment Service Office Congress on October 25-27, 2018 at the SMX Convention Center in Davao City. Fourth Class Municipality (seven nominees); First and Second Class Abra (Cordillera Administrative Ma. Lourdes Hormingos, and 3), which were represented by the First Class Province category. Municipality (nine nominees); Region) for the Fifth to Sixth Class Josephine Barcena, respectively. PESO Managers Josephine Osea The national level winners each Component City (seven nominees); Municipality category; PESO Pila, For the city PESOs, meanwhile, and Mario Esquillo, respectively, received trophies and cash award Highly Urbanized City (four Laguna (Region 4A) for the Third the awards went to PESO bagged the award for the Highly of P100,000, while their respective nominees); Second Class Province to Fourth Class Municipality Mabalacat, Pampanga (Region 3), Urbanized City category. local chief executives were also (one nominee); and First Class category; and PESO Angono, Rizal which was represented by PESO PESO Manager Elena Iringco given recognition. Province (seven nominees). (Region 4A), PESO Polomolok, Manager Cherelie Espinosa and received the award in behalf of The Hall of Famers were The award for the Job Placement South Cotabato (Region 12), and PESO Panabo City, Davao del Northern Samar Provincial PESO awarded additional P150,000 cash Office category was bagged by the PESO Masinloc, Zambales (Region Norte (Region 11), represented by (Region 8) for the Second Class prize each. Bulacan State University (Region 3), for the First to Second Class PESO Manger Rowena Venzon for Province category; while PESO This year’s PESO Congress, 3), represented by PESO Manager Municipality category. the Component City category. Managers Francisco Heller and hosted by DOLE Region 11, ban- Keno Piad. They were represented by PESO Valenzuela City (National Nida Duco received the recognition ners “Trabaho, Negosyo, Ka- For municipal PESOs, the PESO Managers Marietta Ta-a, Capital Region) and PESO in behalf of Iloilo Provincial PESO buhayan (TNK) at PESO: Mag- winners were PESO San Juan, Jason Palasin, Joulhan Aralar, Olongapo City, Zambales (Region (Region 6) and Tarlac Provincial kasangga Tungo sa Pagbabago at PESO (Region 3), respectively, for Pag-asenso.”(Althea Louise Majan)

photo by Jomar Lagmay, IPS

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 18TH NATIONAL PESO CONGRESS. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio lead the opening ceremony of the 18th National Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Congress on October 25-27, 2018 at the SMX Conven- tion Center in Davao City. Together with Secretary Bello and Mayor Duterte-Carpio are Assistant Secretary Federico Abuan, Jr., Assistant Secre- tary Mariano Alquiza, DOLE NCR Regional Director Ana Dione, Assistant Secretary Ma. Joji Aragon,Undersecretary Renato Ebarle, Undersecretary Jacinto Paras, Assistant Secretary Ma. Gloria Tango, Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique Tutay, Assistant Secretary Alex Avila, and Financial and Management Service Director Warren Miclat. New volunteer labor inspectors deployed Fifty-seven new volunteer strict enforcement of labor general authority to inspect labor inspectors coming from laws in various establishments establishments. professional groups, labor in Western, Central, and The deployment of volunteer organizations, employees’ Eastern Visayas, Northern inspectors coming from associations, and NGOs Mindanao, Davao Region, DOLE’s social partners is one received general authority SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga, and of the strategies implemented from Labor Secretary Silvestre National Capital Region. by the labor department Bello III to participate in the The general authority is to assess about 900,000 inspection of establishments contained in Administrative establishments’ compliance until December 2018. Order No. 36-C series of 2018. with general labor standards The 57 deputized inspectors’ The volunteers are the fifth and and occupational safety and authority, which took effect sixth batches of social partner health. DOLE has likewise on September 25 and will inspectors deployed by DOLE created additional Labor Laws be valid until December this year. Compliance Officers (LLCOs) 31, 2018, will help augment To date, a total of 215 volunteers plantilla positions to beef up DOLE’s workforce in the had already been issued with the its assessment team. (GSR) dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 4 October 2018

photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS

OVERSEAS-BOUND EMPLOYEES TAKE OATH. Fifteen newly promoted and appointed employees of the department who will be deployed to overseas posts take their oaths of office before Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III at the DOLE Central Office on October 8, 2018. Joining the Secretary are (from R-L) Labor Undersecretary Claro Arellano, International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) OIC-Director Alice Visperas, and Human Resource Development Service (HRDS) OIC-Director Brenalyn Peji.

Orientation on overseas “It is important for our OFWs to be oriented ExecutiveEditor | RAUL M. FRANCIA working standardized about the profile of their working Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO by Althea Louise D. Majan environment, Issue Editor | ABEGAIL V. DE VEGA including the host To facilitate the social integration of overseas Filipino country’s culture and Senior Writers | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS | ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN workers in their countries of destination, the International PETER PAUL R. ANG | CORAZON C. GONZALES Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) and Philippine Overseas Labor laws relevant to their Offices (POLO) has standardized the Post-Arrival Orientation labor migration. They Contributing Writers | HERSHEY AQUINO, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR Seminar (PAOS) given to OFWs. ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | REGINALD ESTIOCO, RO2 A follow-through to the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar must be informed JEREMIAH BORJA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A (PDOS), the PAOS, with a standard content framework of of their rights and LORERA CATAPANG, RO4-B | JOHANA VI GASGA, RO5 orienting newly-arrived OFWs, is structured as a guide on responsibilities as NIEZEL SABRIDO, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO, RO8 | KAREN CLAIRE GRAFIA, RO9 the customs, culture, and tradition of the host country of migrant workers to OFWs; the political and regulatory framework on labor and MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 |EDUARDO MONREAL, RO11 immigration; employment contract; Philippine government’s fully secure their CHRISTOPHER D. GAMBOA, RO12 |OLGA VIRGINIA DEMATA, CARAGA role; emergency services availments; health and safety welfare as well as Creative Artists |GREGORIO I. GALMAN | VERONICA C. CASIL benefits; training initiatives; social support system services; enjoy the benefits and Filipino Community initiatives. Photographers | JOMAR S. LAGMAY | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) OIC-Director of working overseas Alice Visperas said the orientations to newly-arrived OFWs for the sake of their Circulation Manager |GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE are being conducted within one month from the date of their families back home.” arrival in the host country to provide them with the necessary Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | RANDY F. FERNANDEZ information on their rights, privileges, and responsibilities relevant to their overseas employment. “It is important for our OFWs to be oriented about the The Philippine Labor is published by the Department of Labor and Employment profile of their working environment, including the host with editorial office at the country’s culture and laws relevant to their labor migration. Information and Publication Service They must be informed of their rights and responsibilities as 6th Floor, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila. migrant workers to fully secure their welfare as well as enjoy the benefits of working overseas for the sake of their families back home,” Visperas said. Visperas also said that employers and foreign recruitment agencies were informed about PAOS for them to allow OFWs, especially the domestic workers, to attend the Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. Mail or fax them in, or call us seminar. at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, To expand the access of OFWs to PAOS, the ILAB and 623, 625, 626, 627. the POLOs are set to work on the development of an online ALICE VISPERAS Our fax number is 527-3446. You may also visit our website: country-specific version of the PAOS as a supplemental OIC-Director www.dole.gov.ph; platform for the implementation of the program. International Labor Affairs Bureau or e-mail us at [email protected].

Casual, contractual and job which, along with education, order DOLE employees who Free CSE review by HRDS experience, and training have not yet taken or passed requirements, is needed for the Civil Service Examination the Department of Agriculture, offices and attached agencies spelling, and verbal ability); permanent appointment (CSE) or are only first level was attended by 11 Job Order on October 10-12, 2018 at the SDD Chief Rosario B. Garcia to corresponding positions eligible were provided with and contractual employees on Labor Governance Learning for Mathematics, Logical and in the government career two runs of free 3-day review September 22, 29 and October Center, Intramuros, Manila Cognitive Reasoning; and PAD service. sessions by the Human Resource 6 & 13, 2018 at BFAR office in The HRDS officers who Chief Arvin G. Carandang The review sessions for the Development Service. Quezon City. served as resource persons in for General Information and DOLE examinees is expected The first review schedule, The second run was facilitated the review sessions were OIC Abstract Reasoning. to enhance the examination which was held in partnership and conducted by HRDS’s Director Brenalyn A. Peji for Passing the CSE entitles preparedness and eventually with the Bureau of Fisheries and in-house speakers, with 87 English (tenses, prepositions, one to either professional or lead to a higher passing rate Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of attendees from DOLE central adjectives, vocabulary/ sub-professional eligibility in the CSE. (Aledith Bucacao)

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment October 2018 • OVERSEAS • 5 Lock-out aftermath 1,470 OFWs from Al Khobar off for repatriation

Labor Secretary Silvestre Based on a report received Bello added that he will be Bello said. counseling and debriefing to the Bello III flew to Al Khobar with by OWWA, Bello said Azmeel meeting with the officials of the Bello expressed confidence that distressed OFWs, while members Overseas Workers Welfare Contracting excluded its Ministry of Labor of the Kingdom the Ministry of Labor will allow from DOH will help in providing Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac employees from their place of of Saudi Arabia to discuss the OFWs who wish to continue relief and medical assistance. and officials of the Department of work after its assets were frozen repatriation of the OFWs and the working in KSA, or to transfer to “I am hoping that those who Social Welfare and Development by the Saudi government. payment of their back wages. other companies, since according will be repatriated will be able (DSWD), Department of Foreign The report also said that pri- “I will talk with the Minister to the report, the OFWs did not to join their families this coming Affairs (DFA), and Department or to the lockout, the employer of Labor of Saudi Arabia on the participate in the protest rally holiday season. of Health (DOH) on a mission failed to pay the workers’ four repatriation of our OFWs and initiated by workers who are OWWA, the Bureau of Local to assist some 1,470 overseas months salaries, which prompt- the request for the Saudi govern- nationals of other countries. Employment and the Bureau of Filipino workers (OFWs) ed workers to stage a protest. ment’s assistance to look for jobs For those who would wish to be Workers with Special Concerns displaced by the lock-out by their Bello said that at least $50,000 elsewhere, as well as legal assis- repatriated, Bello said that prior will provide livelihood assistance employer, Azmeel Contracting was already sent as financial tance to collect their monetary to their return, a team composed for them upon their return,” Bello Corporation. assistance to the affected OFWs. claims from their employer,” of OWWA and DSWD will extend added.

Newly hired Filipina workers deployed in Malaysia learned Pinays learn Malaysian culture, laws about their host country’s culture and immigration laws as part of their post-arrival orientation- seminar (PAOS) at the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Kuala Lumpur, assisted P O S T - A R R I V A L by the Asosasyon ng mga ORIENTATION. The newly Makabayang Manggagawang hired OFWs deployed as Pilipino Overseas (Malaysia) – household service workers (HSW) in Malaysia during (AMMPO-SENTRO), conducted the post-arrival orientation- the PAOS to 147 newly hired seminar at the Philippine OFWs deployed as household Overseas Labor Office service workers (HSWs). (POLO) of the Philippine PAOS aims to provide OFWs Embassy- Kuala Lumpur. with information on their rights, privileges, and responsibilities, which are relevant to their conditions of work and stay in photo by POLO-Malaysia Malaysia. The briefing and dialogue OFW Code of Discipline, OFWs’ on their employment contract activity with newly arrived HSWs Coping Mechanism and OWWA and on the working and living is a regular activity by POLO. Programs and Services. conditions. The Pinay workers learned about A 30-minute open forum was Other attached agencies of the GEAR-UP! goes to SG Malaysian Culture and Multi- given to worker-participants mission likewise provided their Ethic Communities, Malaysian for any employment-related programs and services. (POLO Some 150 OFWs based in Reintegration Program (CORP) Immigration and Labor Laws, issues and concerns, particularly Kuala Lumpur) Singapore were oriented on at the Philippine Embassy in GEAR-UP!, a reintegration Singapore. program of OWWA, NRCO, and The launching of GEAR UP ATIKHA that aims to bring home Program, which aims to open Germany pre-qualifies Pinay nurses Filipino domestic workers and up opportunities for OFWs to provide them with sustainable embark into in sustainable jobs Some 201 Filipino nurses passed training entities for the Triple Win employee to find suitable jobs. or a business undertaking in the the pre-qualification interview Project. accommodation. The selected GEAR-UP or Go, Earn, Philippines so that they can be conducted by the International Successful candidates shall have nurse will bear the expenses in Achieve, Return and Uplift with their families the soonest Placement Service of the a starting monthly salary of €1,900 full or in part of the board and Philippines, gathered together time possible, served as one of German Federal Employment (gross) and an increase to € 2,300 lodging. Singapore-based workers the highlights of the orientation. Agency (ZAV/BA)for the Triple after recognition as a qualified The Triple Win Project is associations, and representatives Atikha is a non-government Win Project of the Republic of nurse. supervised by the POEA through from NGOs, academe, and the organization that provides Germany. The employer will pay the visa a government-to-government private sector. economic and social services The selected nurses were and airfare from the Philippines arrangement with the Federal The Overseas Workers Welfare to overseas Filipinos and their required to attend the project to Germany and will assist the Republic of Germany. (POEA) Administration (OWWA) and families in the Philippines. The interview in October and National Reintegration Center organization aims to help address November at the GIZ Office in for OFWs (NRCO) carried out the social cost of migration and Manila. the orientation which is included tap the development potential of The selected applicants in its Comprehensive OFW migration. (NRCO) were intended to fill up the 400 positions for ICU, general, medical and surgery and geriatric care wards and operating rooms New Qatari law in various hospitals and medical facilities in different German cities. boon to OFWs Pre-qualified nurses had Several members of the grassroots sector, organized to pass a B1 level of German Filipino communities from the the event, which discussed language proficiency, completed household service sector in the important provisions in a pre-departure orientation and Qatar took part in a consultation Qatar Labour Law that protect professional training then issued workshop on the implementation the domestic workers and with the work visa after passing of the new labor law called ‘Qatar guarantees their welfare in the a medical examination. Law No. 15 of 22 August 2017. country. The nurses had to take the six- The law, which looks into the Labor Attaché David Des month free German language welfare of domestic workers, Dicang led the panel discussion training (GLT) course to meet highlights Qatar’s commitment to during the workshop and the required German language the development of its employees shared the process of deploying level under the program jointly and assurance of a safe and fair domestic workers in Qatar. conducted by the Goethe working environment. The official said that there are Institute and Berlitz Language photo by Philippine News Bayanihan Qatar, a federation around 91,000 Filipino workers Center, the only authorized of more than 20 community employed in the household groups mostly from the service sector in the country. dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 6 • AGENCIES • October 2018 NLRC’s hotline 8888 commended For its effective implementation Undersecretary Dale Cabrera online account with the 8888 concerned clients are directly efficiently and expeditiously”, of 8888 Citizens’ Complaints to the Office of the NLRC Hotline System. responded. Nograles said. Hotline, the National Labor Chairman. Early last year, Chairman The team was also tasked The 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Relations Commission received a The NLRC was recognized for Gerardo Nograles enjoined to coordinate and collaborate Hotline and 8888 Citizens’ commendation and a Certificate its efficient operation of the 8888 the creation of the NLRC 8888 with the Office of the Cabinet Complaint Center which of Collaboration from the Office Citizens’ Complaints Hotline, Citizens’ Complaint Action Secretary (OCS) to ensure are under the direction and of the President’s Strategic particularly in the designation Team to ensure that the actions prompt action on the public’s supervision of the OCS were Action and Response Office. of focal and technical persons, taken or the interventions concerns received. institutionalized in August 2016 The certificate of attendance in the orientation extended through the hotline “The Commission is one with to realize government’s policy in commendation was presented and simulation seminars, and are specific and that feedbacks the present administration in eradicating red tape, inefficiency, by Office of the President enrollment of the agency’s and request for assistance from ensuring that the public is served and corruption. (KBautista)

Former OFWs receive SPIMS teaching kits Qualified teaching Department of Education overseas Filipino workers (DepEd) and Philippine (OFWs) from Region 7 Normal University (PNU). received teaching kits from This program of the NRCO is the National Reintegration in response to the call of the Center for OFWs (NRCO) DepEd to hire more public under its Sa `Pinas, Ikaw ang school teachers nationwide Ma’am/Sir (SPIMS) Program in order to support the on October 1, 2018. implementation of the K-12 NRCO Regional Coordina- program. tor Dexter Paro led the distri- Among the beneficiaries bution of teaching kits, con- is Pedrita Betaganzo of taining laptop with bag, lapel Buenavista, Bohol. She mic, box of chalk, cellphone graduated with a degree load card and various office in Bachelor in Education supplies to the beneficiaries. (BEEd) but later applied as Paro said that the Household Service Worker beneficiaries are former OFWs (undocumented OFW-HSW) in Qatar, Thailand, Kuwait, in Iran for 2 years. Malaysia, United Arab Betagonza is now a public Emirates and Kuwait and school teacher at Lubang are now gainfully employed Elementary School in Bohol. photo by Jomar Lagmay, IPS as public school teachers Betagonza only has PRESENTATION OF OSH LAW. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte hands-over to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (left), the signed Republic Act No. 11058, (Teacher I) after they availed words of gratitude for the or “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards” on October 9, 2018, at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace. Also of the SPIMS Program. opportunity that was given to in photo are Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and former President and House Speaker Gloria Arroyo (partly hidden). SPIMS is a program her since teaching has always in partnership with the been her passion. (NRCO) Improved labor governance in federalized government eyed

The Institute for Labor situation. and Central Visayas, and Davao Studies (ILS) has started its The research employs a regions. fieldwork for the research project modified Policy Delphi technique The research is also DOLE’s titled “Federal Philippines: A to solicit and analyze the views proactive response to the Policy Delphi-Survey Study.” of experts from concerned Department of Interior and Local The research, headed by the stakeholder groups regarding Government’s request to help ILS Employment Research the federal-regional delineation them determine the distribution Division, aims to prepare the of responsibilities on labor and of powers between the federal Department of Labor and employment governance. and regional governments in Employment on how labor and The fieldwork has already terms of labor and employment photo by NRCO employment governance can be started in September in the governance in the context of a SA`PINAS, IKAW ANG MA’AM/SIR! Qualified OFW-Teachers from Region 7 receive their implemented in a federalized National Capital Region, Eastern federalized Philippines. (ILS) teaching kits provided by NRCO’s Sa `Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir (SPIMS) Program. OSH pushed for OJT-bound senior highs Senior high school students (OSH) Standards,” including Binag added the activity who are about to undergo the OSH issues of young workers, is part of OSHC’s Vision 1 work immersion program under basic concepts of hazards, risks, Million Program which aims the K-12 learned the rudiments accidents, and illnesses and to develop millions of OSH of safe working conditions from mitigation measure necessary champions to improve the the Occupational Safety and for each. efficiency of OSH policies and Health Center. “We want to educate our programs and strengthen the OSHC Training Specialist III future workers at a young age culture of safety and health in Joyce Anne Prakash lectured so that they are already aware the Philippines. to the 145 senior high school of the importance of OSH, even The orientation is a result photo by OSHC students the vital aspects of RA before they embark into their of collaboration with the HEALTH AND SAFETY AT WORK. OSHC Training Specialist III Joyce Anne Prakash discusses 11058 or “An Act Strengthening chosen careers and become part Department of Education the basic concepts of occupational safety and health programs and policies to the senior high the Compliance with of the workforce,” said OSHC to integrate OSH into the school students. Occupational Safety and Health Executive Director Noel Binag. curriculum. (DJ Romero)

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR October 2018 • THE REGIONS • 7 Cebu landslide victims get emergency employment by Luchel Senarlo-Taniza

CEBU CITY— Over 300 landslide “The beneficiaries started victims in the City of Naga, Cebu working on October 8 and the have started working at the General Services Office of the City designated evacuation centers as of Naga primarily directs their the labor department in Region day-to-day tasks and activities,” 7 rolled out its Emergency said the DOLE-7 chief. Employment Program (EEP) in Cañete said each beneficiary the area. would be paid P386 per day for Regional Director Johnson one month, which is the duration Cañete said DOLE, together with of their emergency employment. the City’s Public Employment Workers, he said, would be Service Office (PESO), has profiled given one rest day, which falls 357 workers among the many every Sunday of the week. affected individuals and families As part of DOLE’s support who are housed at evacuation and sympathy to the victims, centers. the employees gathered their The profiling, Cañete personal resources and donated photo by DOLE-RO2 said, took place at the nine to the local government unit of evacuation centers in Naga Naga boxes of relief goods, bottles PROPER PAYMENT OF WAGES. Atty. Russel Jallorina, Assistant Regional Director of DOLE Region 2, reminds the employees of their rights as workers during the consultation meeting between MEGA Janitorial Services and Saint Paul University Philippines (SPUP) at DOLE 2 Regional Central Elementary School; Enan of mineral water, including an Office. Chiong Activity Center; Naalad amount of financial assistance for Elementary School; APO Cemex the victims. Covered Court; Naga National The DOLE’s Emergency Em- High School; Colon Elementary ployment Program or Tulong Underpaid janitors saved School; Cepoc Elementary School; Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Dis- San Fernando Covered Court; and advantaged Workers (TUPAD) is Langtad Elementary School. only one of the two components by labor inspection The workers profiled, he added, of the DOLE Integrated Liveli- came mostly from Barangays hood and Emergency Employ- by Jolina V. Pelovello Tinaan and Naalad. ment Programs (DILEEP). TUGUEGARAO CITY, of wages due to the noncompliance Wage Order No. RTWPB-2-17 Cagayan – A routine labor of the contractor with Wage Order implementing a 300.00 peso inspection enabled service No. RTWPB-2-18 implemented minimum wage. Aid to disadvantaged contractor-deployed janitors to effective September last year,” The contractor then continued get their just wages and social Jallorina said. to implement the said wage benefits when DOLE Regional Other violations discovered instead of the newly issued workers in Albay Office No. 2 ordered for the include the non-payment of social Wage Order No. RTWPB- by Johana Vi E. Gasga adjustment of their salaries to benefits. 2-18 implementing P340.00 the latest wage order prevailing The regional office conducted minimum wage for the Non- LEGAZPI CITY – Seventy-nine least their basic needs,” PFO Albay in the region. mandatory conferences to Agriculture sector. disadvantaged skilled workers Head Imelda Romanillos said. DOLE RO 2 OIC Assistant address the labor issues when “After the scheduled two from Brgy.Taysan, Legazpi City DOLE is also providing Regional Director Atty. Russel the service contractor did not mandatory conferences, the received Kabuhayan starter kits consultancy service to the recipients Jallorina said 25 janitors comply with the Notice of Result labor dispute was settled. worth P882,023 to jumpstart their of the livelihood aid to ensure employed under MEGA of Inspection. Furthermore, the contractor own livelihood undertakings. project sustainability. Janitorial Services under “We have invited all parties was ordered to pay for the The provision of livelihood aid The Kabuhayan Program is a contract with Saint Paul for a mandatory conference to social benefits of its employees,” in forms of carpentry tools, sewing component of the DOLE Integrated University Philippines (SPUP), hear their sides and exhausted all Jallorina added. machines, welding machines, Livelihood and Emergency Tuguegarao received monetary necessary and reasonable means DOLE 2 Regional Director kitchen tools, and beauty care aims Employment Program which grants claims from their agency to speed up the resolution of Atty. Sarah Buena Mirasol to create employment, improve assistance for capacity-building on amounting to around P500,00 labor disputes,” Jallorina stated. commended the efforts of the productivity of disadvantaged livelihood for the poor, vulnerable skilled workers and augment their and marginalized workers. It in compliance with Wage Order The contract between the inspectors and the mediator family income. provides a working capital solely No. RTWPB–2–18. employees and their contractor, arbiter in resolving labor “This may be your primary or for the purchase of equipment, “Our routine inspection led to MEGA Janitorial Services, was disputes peacefully and additional source of income, but tools and jigs, raw materials, among the discovery of underpayment signed during the existence of speedily in the region. one thing is sure, it would augment others, to be used in their livelihood the income of the family to meet at undertakings. 600 youth turn into gov’t workers by Christopher D. Gamboa

Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Sisinio Cano said that GIP is a – Six hundred fifty nine high good avenue for the youth to school, technical-vocational and gain a productive experience college graduates from different in the government and will municipalities of Sultan Kudarat enable them to be ready to face are now ready to experience the challenges ahead. the world of public service after The GIP beneficiaries are from being employed through the the 1st and 2nd congressional Government Internship Program districts of Sultan Kudarat who (GIP). will work for three months in During the GIP Launch local government units and and Signing of Memorandum will receive a daily rate of of Understanding (MOU) at P233.25 based on the 75 percent the Sultan Kudarat Sports minimum wage requirements Complex, Governor Datu Pax of the region. Mangudadatu encouraged GIP The GIP aims to provide beneficiaries to excel in their young workers opportunity government stint. to demonstrate their talents “You are the future of this and skills in the field of public province and we would like service with the ultimate to mold you to be responsible objective of attracting the best government workers. GIP is the and the brightest who want to most effective way to improve pursue a career in government photo by DOLE-RO8 your skills in public service,” service, particularly in the NEWLY-RENOVATED DOLE REGIONAL OFFICE. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III together with DOLE VIII Regional Director Yahya Centi lead the Governor Mangudadatu said. fields and disciplines related inauguration of the newly-renovated DOLE Regional Office in Tacloban City on October 20, 2018. DOLE XII Regional Director to labor and employment. dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment • THE GOOD NEWS • Labor issues settled through Mobile SENA MIDSAYAP, COTABATO — Alemania, one of the affected In a bid to help and reach out workers. more workers, the Department Mobile SENA is an initiative of Labor and Employment- of DOLE-NCFO to ease the North Cotabato Field Office burden of requesting parties Vol. XXVII • No. 10 www.dole.gov.ph October 2018 (NCFO) conducted the Mobile from transportation expenses Single Entry Approach (SENA) going to NCFO in Kidapawan settlement procedure in City. Midsayap, Cotabato. This innovation aims to bring A total of 17 workers the services of the department employed in a department to Cotabato province’s remote store sought the help of DOLE- municipalities of Pigcawayan, NCFO to raise concerns on Midsayap, Arakan and their underpayment of wages Banisilan. and non-payment of overtime “This initiative in bringing work. the department’s programs and Marjorie Latoja, the chief of services closer to our clients DOLE-NCFO facilitated the is highly commendable,” said conciliation-mediation be- DOLE XII Regional Director tween the two parties at PESO Sisinio Cano. Midsayap. SENA is an alternative Through SENA, the affected resolution on labor issues workers and their employer arising from employer- agreed to have a voluntary employee relations to prevent settlement amounting to them from ripening into full P342,000 wherein a worker got blown cases. a minimum of P15,000 while Under the approach, all labor some received as much as and employment disputes P22,000. undergo a 30-day mandatory “I’m really happy for the conciliation-mediation process photo by DOLE-RO1 fast assistance and response to effect speedy and inexpensive LIVELIHOOD AID TO FAMILIES OF CHILD LABORERS. Fred Garibay, a father of children at risk of being child laborers in Pangasinan shows the to our complaint. We are very settlement among contending products of the livelihood grant from DOLE Regional Office I through the DOLE Kabuhayan Para Sa Magulang ng Batang Manggagawa (KASAMA), thankful to DOLE,” said Jonaly parties. (Christopher D. Gamboa) which enabled him to send his children to school. Family shuns child labor through livelihood

by Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez

The DOLE Kabuhayan Para and cheese. families for greater income,” Sa Magulang ng Batang Before the grant, Fred had Director Lacambra said. Manggagawa (KASAMA) project no sufficient capital to be able At present, Fred’s family earns continues to serve as a preventive to produce more puto. He just P11,000-P13,000 monthly. Out of photo by DOLE-NCFO measure against child labor in earned P3,000-P5,000 monthly. his savings from his income, he DOLE-NCFO Chief Marjorie Latoja facilitates the settlement between the management and the region through the provision His income, he admitted, was was able to establish a sari-sari affected workers thru Mobile SENA in Midsayap, Cotabato. of livelihood opportunities to barely enough to support his big store and now resells purified poor families. family. water and gasoline. The DOLE-Western Pangasi- It was his family’s As of monitoring time, Fred nan Field Office has monitored impoverished condition which shared that different barangays, the impact of the project on a was considered in the provision schools and neighboring towns ‘Boy Mani’ gets KASAMA beneficiary-family of the KASAMA project. are now ordering puto from him that received P10,000 capital as- The Philippine Program for their events. Kabuhayan Nego Kart sistance for their puto-making Against Child Labor (PPACL), All his children are enrolled in livelihood. the government framework that school, and his eldest is currently by Joseph Nathan Fabrega Fred Garibay, sixty-one-year- brings together all anti-child on his second year in college. old father of six in Tondol, labor efforts, acknowledges that The LGU of Anda has Iligan City –The famous selling of peanuts in their office. Anda, Pangasinan, received poverty is a potent host to social committed to closely monitor ‘Boy Mani’ of Iligan City has I cannot contain my happiness the grant from the DOLE-RO problems including child labor. the livelihood grants to ensure received a livelihood grant with this blessing. With this, I on September 19, 2016. The “Our aim is to prevent the their sustainability and explore from Department of Labor and I really thank DOLE and I assistance was in the form of occurrence of child labor the possibility of enhancing Employment (DOLE-X) through am hopeful that many poor raw materials consisting of incidences in the region by them. (With report from DOLE- its Lanao del Norte Provincial ambulant vendors like me will commercial rice, baking soda increasing the capacities of WPFO) Field Office (LDN PFO) in a form also be given assistance,” Baguio of Negosyo Livelihood Kart. said. DOLE- X LDN PFO Chief The DOLE assists its Remegio Cabañog reported that beneficiaries in getting a Drug reformists now entrepreneurs a Negosyo Kart (Negosyo sa vending cart and accessory by Niezel Anen Sabrido Kariton) livelihood assistance livelihood tools; providing of amounting to around P20,000 working capital for procurement Hamtic, Antique – Drug of the marginalized and self- The projects intend to was given to Bernie Baguio aka or production of marketable surrenderees who have employed residents in different augment the income of the “Boy Mani”of Saray, Iligan City. goods or services (raw undergone rehabilitation and barangays in Hamtic. beneficiaries and their families Chief Cabañog said the Nego- materials and other inputs); counseling services were given Of the 76 beneficiaries, 38 in order to meet their basic Kart is a project for ambulant training on production skills, a chance to improve their lives will engage in cattle fattening, needs and send their children vendors in major cities of the entrepreneurship and business through the livelihood projects two in goat raising, 21 in swine to school. Director Ticao is also country. The project assists the management; and in applying for provided by DOLE Region VI. fattening, one into fishing, one hopeful that these livelihood ambulant vendors in making business permit to operate in the The P1.5 million worth of will establish a batchoyan, two projects will also pave way for their existing livelihood under- designated area. The ambulant livelihood assistance under the will be in rice trading, four will them to live a better and more takings grow into profitable and vendors are also assisted in DOLE Integrated Livelihood establish and manage a sari- productive life, away from sustainable business, thus mak- forming their organization that and Emergency Employment sari store, two will venture into drugs and detrimental vices. ing their income level at par with will promote mutual aid and Program (DILEEP) or vulcanizing, three in welding, one Hamtic is one of the that of the minimum wage earn- protection, such as collective Kabuhayan Program will be in photocopying business municipalities in the province ers, at the least. savings mobilization for social were provided to 76 drug and one in motorcycle and small of Antique with a high number “I did not expect to receive a protection coverage under SSS/ surrenderees, who are part engine repair business. of drug reformists. livelihood financial assistance PhilHealth and others common from DOLE from my frequent concerns.