Families of Ofws Get Aid Vided with Immediate Welfare He “Right to Disconnect,” by Peter Paul R

Bello issues anti-age discrimination rules By Althea Louise D. Majan

o promote equal opportunities in employment for Teveryone, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has issued the implementing rules of the anti- age discrimination law. “The provisions of this order Gov’t to the rescue apply to all employers, publishers, labor contractors or subcontrac- Displaced, stranded tors, and labor organizations, whether or not registered,” said Bello, as he signed Department Order No. 170, or the Imple- OFWs sent home menting Rules and Regulations By Abegail V. De Vega of Republic Act 10911. he Duterte administration The Overseas Workers Welfare repatriation expenses from July Duterte, Labor Secretary Under the law, it shall be un- has brought home thou- Administration reported that as last year, and also extended the Silvestre Bello IIII had made the lawful for an employer to print Tsands of Filipino workers of March, some 5,455 overseas micro-financing loans amount- repatriation of OFWs, who were or publish, or cause to be printed displaced and stranded in vari- Filipino workers had been repa- ing to P50,000 to P300,000 to the displaced and stranded in the or published, in any form of me- ous countries of the Middle East, triated of the more than 20,000 repatriated OFWs to provide Middle East following the oil dia, including the internet, any most of whom suffered hunger either stranded or displaced by them capital to get back on track crisis, a priority upon assuming notice or advertisement relating since the onset of the oil crisis in the Middle East crisis. and re-establish sustainable li- office last year. to employment suggesting pref- the Arabian Peninsula as early as OWWA said the government ving for their families. “The President wanted to be erences, limitations, specifica- late 2015. spent close to P600 million in On instructions of President sure that our OFWs are safe and tions, and discrimination based secured. He wanted all those on age. who had been long suffering to It shall also be unlawful for be sent back home,” Bello said. an employer to require the OWWA provided returning declaration of age or birth date OFWs and their families with during the application process; various assistance including decline any employment psycho-social counseling/stress application because of the debriefing and medical referrals. individual’s age; or discriminate These assistance form part of against an individual in terms the reintegration services that of compensation, terms and the OWWA extended to 18,577 conditions or privileges of OFWs under the Assist WELL employment on account of such (Welfare, Employment, Legal individual’s age. and Livelihood) Program. See page 6 Of the total number of beneficiaries, 3,419 OFWs, were ‘Right to WARM WELCOME. President Rodrigo Duterte, together with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Foreign Affairs Secretary provided with legal assistance Perfecto Yasay and ACTS-OFW Partylist Representative Aniceto John Bertiz III welcome the repatriated overseas Filipino in filing complaints against their disconnect,’ workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). employers; 1,515 received employment referrals; 938 OFWs employees’ were provided with livelihood assistance; and 8,822 were pro- choice Families of OFWs get aid vided with immediate welfare he “right to disconnect,” By Peter Paul R. Ang Dalupang Maramag. Being regarding a fire in the place assistance. or letting employees s part of the benefits an active member of OWWA, where the deceased OFW ‘Assist WELL’ is a program Tdisregard work-related available to the fami- Felma’s family received was employed. An autopsy that looks into the reintegration communications after office Alies of overseas Filipino P220,000 financial assistance and report revealed that the OFW needs of OFWs upon their re- hours without disciplinary workers, the Overseas Work- scholarship assistance for her sustained a stab wound on turn or repatriation. action is, technically, a voluntary ers Welfare Administration re- daughter Angelica; P50,000 from the head, a broken skull due Other forms of assistance are engagement between employers leased financial and livelihood the recruitment agency, and to blunt force trauma, and available for returning OFWs and their employees. assistance to the family of an P500,000 in life insurance. bruises all over her body. administered by OWWA and the This was emphasized by OFW who died in Jordan, as OWWA also provided OWWA also led other National Reintegration Center Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello well as relatives of eight seafar- livelihood assistance to agencies in awarding for OFWs which include skills III, adding that employees may ers who perished in Korea. Natividad as part of the benefits P100,000.00 assistance to each training and livelihood seminars. or may not answer or ignore Labor Secretary Silvestre of Maramag from the agency. of the family of eight seamen Eljhen Ancla Camlipusam, a texts, emails from employers Bello III personally handed The dead bodies of Maramag onboard a tugboat from Korea repatriated OFW who illegally after working hours. over the financial assistance and her employer were disco- who went missing on their way stayed in Riyadh for four years, “The right to disconnect is a to Natividad Dalupang, vered on February 5 by a police to the Philippines in January thanked President Duterte for choice of an employee,” Bello mother of the victim Felma officer upon responding to a call last year. See page 6 sending her back home. said. “Napakahirap ng kalagayan Acknowledging the digital namin sa Riyadh. Ang tagal technology for tremendous ad- ko nang gustong umuwi at vantage at work, the labor secre- nagpapasalamat ako kay tary said the bill that seeks for no Pangulong Duterte at nabigyan work-related communications kami ng pagkakataong umuwi. after office hours might ease Napakalaking tulong po nito,” burnout and stress to the em- said Camlipusam, who finally ployees by drawing a clear line rejoined her family in Surigao between work and home. Del Norte. Quezon City Representative Winston Castelo authored House Bill 4721, which aims to Anti ‘endo’ drive amend the Labor Code of the Philippines. The bill obliges employers More “to establish the hours when employees are not supposed to workers send or answer work-related BELLO HANDS OVER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILY OF SLAIN OFW. Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, e-mails, texts, or calls,” and the together with OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, hands over to the family of Amy Capulong, who was allegedly regularized See page 6 beaten to death by her employer in Kuwait, financial aid from Insular Life, PHILAAK, Phil Q Manpower, and OWWA. See story on page 2 2 PHILIPPINE LABOR |January-March 2017

Implementing rules on new SPES law out By Althea Louise D. Majan with reports from BLE

o effectively implement or those who are not enrolled in (private or public) in cash while Republic Act No. 10917 a formal educational or training the remaining 40 percent is Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO or the amended Special institution; and dependents, shouldered by the government, T Managing Editor | CELESTE T. MARING Program for Employment whether student or out-of- to be paid also in cash. of Students (SPES), Labor school youth, of displaced or Low-income local Secretary Silvestre Bello III would-be displaced workers government units (LGUs), on Senior Writers | ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS signed its Implementing Rules due to business closures, work the other hand, may submit ABEGAIL V. DE VEGA | PETER PAUL R. ANG and Regulations (IRR), or stoppages, or natural calamities. a letter to the DOLE regional Contributing Writers | DIANA JOYZ ESGUERRA, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR Department Order No. 175. Another amendment in the director requesting the ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | GERARDO NICOLAS, RO2 SPES is one of the labor SPES law is the extended period of DOLE to shoulder a higher JEREMIAH BORJA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A department’s youth employment. From the previous percentage share in the salary LORERA CATAPANG, RO4-B | RAYMOND ESCALANTE, RO5 employment-bridging 20 to 52 days, SPES beneficiaries of SPES beneficiaries based on AMALIA JUDICPA, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 programs which aims to may now be employed from 20 to the following schemes: up to VIRGILIO DOROJA, RO8 | GAY IRIS TANGCALAGAN, RO9 provide beneficiaries with 78 days; except during Christmas 75 percent share for 6th class MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | KRIZTJA MARAE LABRADOR, RO11 short-term job opportunities vacation when employment is municipality; up to 60 percent KATHLEEN TURNOS, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEORATE, CARAGA during summer and/or from 10 to 15 days only. for 5th class municipality; and Christmas vacation or any Services rendered during the up to 50 percent share for 4th Creative Artist | GREGORIO I. GALMAN | VERONICA C. CASIL time of the year to help them period of employment relevant class municipality or 6th class continue their education and related to the course of the province. Photographers | JOMAR S. LAGMAY in any secondary, tertiary, beneficiary may have equivalent SPES beneficiaries will also ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ or technical-vocational academic and practicum or on- now be entitled to an insurance institution. the-job training credits as may coverage under the Group Circulation Manager | GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE Through the amended SPES be determined by appropriate Personal Accident Insurance Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ law, the age qualification of government agencies; while of the Government Service RANDY F. FERNANDEZ applicants has been raised the period of employment of Insurance System (GSIS) for a from 15 to 25 years old to 15 SPES beneficiaries who were period of one year. Editorial Consultant | RAUL M. FRANCIA to 30 years old, at the time of eventually hired as employees Signed on March 20, the IRR application. by the same employer shall shall take effect after 15 days The program has also form part of their probationary from the date of publication The PHILIPPINE LABOR is published by the expanded its reach by period. in any two newspapers of Department of Labor and Employment targeting not only the poor As to remuneration, 60 general circulation or in the with editorial office at the Information and Publication Service but deserving students, but percent of the salary of student Official Gazette. 6th Floor, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila. also the out-of-school youth, beneficiaries is paid by employers

Better benefits under amended Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. Mail or fax them in, or call us at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, OWWA charter – Bello 623, 625, 626, 627. Our fax number is 527-3446. By Peter Paul R. Ang to devise a system of rebate for this year. This is a one-time finan- You may also visit our website: members who have a 10-year con- cial assistance provided to active www.dole.gov.ph; he Overseas Workers Wel- tribution to OWWA but have not OWWA and PhilHealth mem- or e-mail us at [email protected]. fare Administration is availed of any benefits for the pe- bers who are diagnosed with and Tgeared to boost its programs riod covered. subsequently hospitalized due to to provide better benefits for over- Bello vowed to introduce new dreaded disease whether in the seas Filipino workers with the ef- programs as OWWA sets to en- Philippines or in their country of fectivity of its new charter. hance its existing package of pro- employment. This matches the Observe drug-free workplace, Under an amended charter, grams and services, such as death, benefit granted by PhilHealth to OWWA will be more proactive in disability, and dismemberment its members under its case rate providing relevant programs and benefits, repatriation assistance, system but not to exceed P50,000 employers urged services that are attuned to the scholarships, skills training and per member. By Celeste T. Maring needs of OFWs and their families. skills upgrading programs, pre- Bello reminded OFWs to al- “The amendment to the OWWA departure assistance, among oth- ways keep their records of OWWA abor Secretary Silvestre Bello III urged employers to adopt a charter will reinforce the govern- ers. membership payments, includ- drug-free workplace policy to ensure the safety and health of ment’s desire to reach out to more Aside from rebates, the new law ing receipts or any document that their workers. Filipino workers abroad as we also provides that OWWA mem- will prove their membership to L “Drug abuse is a serious problem that pervades the various levels strive to protect their dignity and bership of an OFW will now be OWWA. This will also serve as of the society including the Filipino workforce. I am urging all welfare,” Labor Secretary Silvestre two years and renewable upon proof that they are entitled to the establishments to implement this drug-free policy to ensure that Bello III said. its expiration. Under the previous Rebate Program. workplaces are free from the detrimental effects of drug abuse,” Bello Republic Act No. 10801 amend- law, membership expires with the “The new set of programs and said. ed the law that created OWWA. termination of the overseas em- services simply gives emphasis to Bello also directed concerned DOLE offices, including the Regional It strengthens OWWA’s opera- ployment contract. giving importance to the welfare Offices, pursuant to the government’s campaign against illegal drugs. tions, capabilities, and administra- The OWWA Medplus program of our OFWs,” he added. “Drug problem poses not only security and health problems, but tion. The new law allows OWWA will also be fully implemented also social, economic, psychological, and economic problems. It requires the unified action of all DOLE agencies,” he said. Under DOLE’s Department Order No. 53-03, all establishments in the Anti ‘endo’ drive private sector employing 10 or more workers must develop their own drug abuse policies and programs. It also encourages establishments with less than 10 workers to participate in the said campaign. More workers regularized It also directs companies to have their employees submit themselves to a random drug testing through its Drug Testing Program based on he labor department bans labor-only contracting and whose employment has been the procedure set by the Department of Health (DOH). continues to succeed in other forms of illegal contracting terminated due to the incapacity The department order also tasks establishments to provide similar eliminating labor-only practices, we hope for more of some employers to absorb advocacies in their respective workplace by posting banners on the T contractual workers to become regular workers,” he said. implementation of a drug-free workplace. contracting and other forms of illegal contracting arrangements. regular this year,” he said. To boost efforts at abolishing The drug-free workplace policy and program also include treatment Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said 35,781 workers illegal contractualization and rehabilitation, and referral procedure which shall be provided by Bello III said the government’s were voluntarily regularized practices, Bello recently issued the establishment. anti-endo campaign has so far by 1,322 employers while Department Order 174 on netted close to 50,000 regularized some employers resorted to Contracting and Subcontracting workers from July 2016 to March termination of employment due and deputized labor groups to to incapacity to regularize their inspect establishments for their 2017. enforce the new department labor and employers that will employees. compliance with the new order “We managed to increase order,” he said. conduct inspections of more than “Since July, DOLE has been as well as with existing labor the number of workers whose The labor Chief has also 90,000 establishments to assure strictly implementing laws and laws and regulations. employment were regularized authorized Undersecretary Joel their compliance with labor regulations on job contracting “I believe that more workers following our assessments and Maglunsod to supervise a team standards and existing labor and DOLE immediately under illegal contracting massive information drive on composed of labor compliance laws. (Abegail V. De Vega) provided placement and arrangements will become contractualization. With our officers and representatives from new department order which livelihood assistance to those regular workers as we strictly January-March 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 3

Employment of minor Order expands ban

By Abegail V. De Vega

he Department of Labor packed farm products, coconut and Employment (DOLE) kilning and de-meating from Tbroadened the scope of shell or core, sealing and carting the ban on the employment of produce for warehousing of minors in agriculture and and transport to market and all livestock farming to prevent ancillary work, such as clearing, young people from exposure to cleaning, and recycling of farm hazardous work conditions. waste in its preparation as Labor Secretary Silvestre animal food and other related Bello III issued Department processes. Order No. 149-A that now In livestock farming, the classified other work and related work and related activities SIGNING OF MOU ON CHILD PROTECTION. (L-R) Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Social Welfare farming activities as hazardous that are declared hazardous and Development Undersecretary Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa, and Justice Assistant Secretary Aimee T. Neri, exchange and among the worst forms to minors include: rearing, copies of the signed inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Child Protection during the signing of child labor. These include such as collecting, loading, ceremony at the LGLC, Blas Ople Hall, DOLE Building in Intramuros, Manila. plant propagation activities unloading and transporting of that involve grafting, budding feeds; maintenance and care and marcotting, and tending of large and/or dangerous ...DOLE, DSWD join forces activities that involve weeding animals;collecting and disposal of soil. of dead animals, animal manure The new order also and other waste materials, reinforced the existing ban on administering of vaccines and in combatting child labor the employment of minors in vitamins, and handling of wo key agencies of go- of International Labor Orga- free Philippines and provide farm activities such as clearing disinfectants used for cleaning vernment launched con- nization (ILO) and BanToxics, a clear understanding of the of land, plowing, harrowing, animal pens/enclosures or for vergence programs to which calls for the reduction of child labor issue among the irrigating, constructing paddy disinfecting animals. T eliminate child labor, including child labor and improve work- poor households whose child- dike and cutting. Also declared Also not allowed are harvesting its worst forms, and to achieve ing conditions in ASGM Gold ren are at risk of becoming as hazardous are handling, activities that involve catching or a child labor-free Philippines by Mining; the Strategic Help child laborers,” Maglunsod spraying and application of collecting, ranching, and milking 2025. Desks for Information, Edu- added. harmful fertilizers, pesticides, in preparation for warehousing The tie-up between the De- cation, Livelihood and other There are 2.1 million child herbicides and other toxic or transport to market, and post- partments of Labor and Employ- Developmental Interventions laborers in the Philippines, ac- chemicals; and loading and harvest activities, including ment and Social Welfare and (SHIELD) against Child La- cording to the 2011 Survey on carrying of heavy loads. the packaging and processing Development dubbed “Makiisa bor; and the Module on Child Children done by the Philip- Minors are also not allowed in of dairy and other animal by- para sa #1M BatangMalaya: We Labor for the Family Develop- pine Statistics Authority (PSA), harvesting activities that involve products in preparation for are one with the children in end- ment Sessions of the Pantawid and the elimination of child cutting and picking, spreading warehousing and transport ing Child Labor,” aims to curb Pamilyang Pilipino Program labor calls for a unified action for drying, hauling, topping, to market; and working in child labor in the country and (4Ps) of the DSWD. among the various government tumbling, tuxying, stripping, slaughterhouses or abattoirs. to raise public awareness on the As the chair agency of the and non-government organiza- burning of the field, sticking and “Child workers are compelled problem. National Child Labor Commit- tions. classifying, threshing, loading, to help augment their families’ DOLE Undersecretary Joel tee (NCLC), DOLE vowed to “We must immediately and and carting of produce. meager income by engaging in B. Maglunsod said to end child intensify its campaign against urgently rally to respond to In post-harvest, minors may hazardous work. That is why the labor, comprehensive actions child labor and to continue this concern because as the not be employed in de-husking, labor department will strictly must be done to help the parents providing support to the vari- problem is unabated, children scooping, sacking of products, monitor and assess occupational of child laborers. These child la- ous initiatives of its social part- will continue to be violated charcoal making, hauling of safety and health standards borers, he added, are compelled ners in curbing child labor, in- a thousand fold, especially products as led by animal related to child labor,” Bello to help augment their families’ cluding its worst forms. those child laborers engaged in guide, loading and unloading of said. meager incomes by engaging in The worst forms of child la- backbreaking and hazardous hazardous work. bor in the Philippines include work,” DSWD Director Ma. “This is why DOLE is grateful work exposure of children to Alicia Bonoan said. that we are not alone in this en- physical and psychological These initiatives are aligned deavor. Eliminating child labor abuse; forced domestic work with both the Philippine Pro- Compliance check is a real challenge that requires and commercial sexual exploi- gram against Child Labor 2017- collective action and close co- tation as well as the procure- 2022, which aims to withdraw operation of different actors – ment or offering of a child for one million children from child on PAL, other airlines set government agencies, civil soci- illicit activities, particularly in labor, and the Sustainable De- ety organizations, LGUs, media, drug trade and production. velopment Goals (SDG) that By Madelyn D. Dometita parents and also the children “Despite our significant ad- calls for the end of child labor themselves,” Maglunsod said. vancements against child la- in all its forms by 2025. (Abegail The convergence programs bor, we will continue to work De Vega) he labor department has Executive Director Shirley include CARING-Gold Project together to attain a child-labor set off inspections and Pascual, Bureau of Labor Tassessments of companies Relations (BLR) Director Benjo in select industries to look into Benavidez, DOLE regional their compliance with labor laws directors, and labor laws and other existing legislations. compliance officers as members. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said the move sets in Bello III constituted a Special an industry-wide assessment Assessment and Visit of to ensure that workers are Establishment (SAVE) team enjoying their entitlements that will assess Philippine under existing labor laws, rules, Airlines, PAL Express, and and regulations. their contractors’ compliance Other companies in the with general labor standards, air transport industry are occupational safety and health encouraged to voluntarily standards, and other laws and comply. social legislations. Bello said the special In an administrative order, assessment is pursuant to Bello formed the team chaired by Article 128 of the Labor Code, Bureau of Working Conditions as amended, and Department (BWC) Director Ma. Teresita Order No. 131-B, Series of 2016 Cucueco, with Occupational or Revised Rules on Labor Laws Safety and Health Center Compliance System to ensure ADDRESSING PAL WORKERS. Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod confers with the PALEA members who gathered (OSHC) Executive Director Noel adherence with labor laws. Binag, National Conciliation in front of the DOLE Central Office to air their concerns on contractualization and other labor issues. Undersecretary and Mediation Board (NCMB) Maglunsod assured the workers of DOLE’s efforts in curbing illegal forms of contractualization. 4 PHILIPPINE LABOR |January-March 2017 POEA to OFWs: Undergo proper medical screening he Philippine Overseas patitis B, tuberculosis and HIV/ Employment Administra- AIDS. Ttion (POEA) has warned In addition, some 14,633 Filipi- Filipino workers who are due for no workers have also undergone deployment overseas to secure medical examinations, and 35 of proper medical screening before them have been found to have leaving the country. tuberculosis while 27 workers The reminder was made fol- are suffering from Hepatitis B. lowing the deportation of 400 The report did not indicate the guest workers by the Jordan number of OFWs who were de- Health Ministry due to various ported, but as a policy, workers health issues. with HIV/AIDS and pulmonary “It is imperative for our work- tuberculosis are expelled while ers to undergo a thorough medi- those with extra-pulmonary tu- cal check-up or screening by berculosis, but does not affect Department of Health (DOH)- the pulmonary system, are not accredited hospitals and clinics expatriated. before they leave the country During the course of applica- to avoid being deported due to tion of a Filipino worker for an some health restrictions. Some overseas job, a medical screen- ASSISTANCE TO INFORMAL WORKERS. Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III speaks during the countries abroad are very par- ing on referred clinics and hospi- distribution of some P3.8-M DOLE livelihood assistance projects to 320 marginalized residents of Olongapo City and ticular when it comes to health tals should be done as a primary Subic town in Zambales. In a department order, he raised the livelihood assistance package for individual projects to issues,” the POEA said. requirement before they can help vulnerable and marginalized workers, and contribute to poverty alleviation. The POEA released an advi- proceed to the subsequent pro- sory on a Jordan health ministry cess. This ensures that a worker report from January to Novem- is healthy and fit to work should Kabuhayan assistance doubles ber 2016 indicating 185 cases of they be qualified for the job posi- hepatitis B, 149 cases of tubercu- tion they are applying for as they By Abegail V. De Vega losis, and 66 cases of HIV/AIDS land on their respective country he Department of Labor avail Starter Kit or Negosyo sa members; and P250,000 for 15- were recorded among foreign of assignment. and Employment (DOLE) Kariton (Nego-Kart), up to a 25 members, depending on the workers. The POEA has urged overseas has increased the amount maximum financial assistance project requirements. The health ministry also re- job applicants to have their med- T corded a total of 356,045 guest ical tests at clinics and hospitals of assistance in its kabuhayan of P20,000 depending on the DOLE together with its package under the Integrated project requirement under the Accredited Co-Partners (ACPs) workers at the directorate for duly accredited by the Depart- Livelihood and Emergency Em- Livelihood or KABUHAYAN will also now provide basic medical check-up, and 457 of ment of Health. (Paul Ang) ployment Program (DILEEP). Program. sanitary tools and accessories them were diagnosed with he- In a department order, Labor The priority beneficiaries of such as gloves, mask, hairnet, Secretary Silvestre Bello III raised the said livelihood program apron, and others for food- the livelihood package from are the self-employed workers related livelihood undertakings P10,000 to P20,000 for individual with insufficient income, of the beneficiaries. projects to help vulnerable and marginalized and landless On the other hand, the Strictly implement marginalized workers, and farmers, unpaid family workers, provision of Personal Protective contribute to poverty alleviation. parents of child laborers, low- Equipment (PPE) for the worker- “DILEEP is a program that wage and seasonal workers, and beneficiaries of the Emergency OSH standards–Bello provides alternative employ- displaced workers. Employment or Tulong ment to the poor, vulnerable The livelihood program Panghanapbuhay sa Ating By Peter Paul R. Ang and marginalized workers. We can also be availed by the Disadvantaged/Displaced increased the amount of assis- organizations based on their Workers (TUPAD) Program abor Secretary tance for individual beneficiaries categorization into micro, small will no longer be required, Silvestre Bello III to fully support their livelihood or medium livelihood. provided that the work do not Lrenewed his call to undertakings and help them The group livelihood projects fall under hazardous work as strictly observe occupational grow it into viable and sustain- can avail a maximum financial defined under Rule 1013 of safety and health standards able businesses,” Bello said in is- assistance of up to P1 million for the Occupational Safety and among establishments and suing D.O. 173 recently. Medium Livelihood with more Health Standards. companies in the country. Based on the revised guidelines, than 50 members; P500,000 for Bello made the statement individual beneficiaries can now Small Livelihood with 26-50 as he enjoined the officers, new fellows, and diplomates, including the attendees of the Philippine College of Pre-departure awareness Occupational Medicine’s (PCOM) 39th Annual National Convention. on insurance benefits for OFWs set The labor chief encouraged the PCOM graduates to campaign for the strict enforcement of DOLE policies and programs that By Althea Louise D. Majan will ensure workers safety, welfare, and rights in the workplace. DOLE, through its Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS), he Overseas Workers “This memorandum of The insurance policy shall be has intensified its programs on OSH standards by instructing Welfare Administration understanding is very important effective for the duration of the companies to voluntarily comply with the rules and regulations T(OWWA), the Philippine because of its advocacy migrant worker’s employment and through information and dissemination drive to various Overseas Employment Admin- component. Many still do not contract and shall cover, at the companies. istration (POEA), and the In- know that there is an existing minimum: accidental death, DOLE has also issued Administrative Order No. 21, which surance Commission had part- insurance package or benefit natural death, permanent total constituted a technical working group to review workplace nered to jointly promote public for overseas workers, especially disablement, repatriation cost, occupational safety and health standards and ensure compliance awareness on the coverage and for the newly-hired OFWs. So subsistence allowance, money of companies with labor laws and social legislations. benefits of compulsory insur- POEA, OWWA, and Insurance claims, compassionate visit, Dr. Edmyr Macabulos, MD, PCOM National President; DOH ance for agency-hired overseas Commission have joined forces medical evacuation, and medical Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag; and Bureau of Working Conditions Filipino workers (OFWs). to come up with a massive repatriation. (BWC) Director Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, who is also a board In an agreement signed by information campaign,” Cacdac The information on the said of director of PCOM, were also among the guests at the annual OWWA Administrator Hans said. compulsory insurance shall be convention. Leo J. Cacdac, POEA Officer- The Compulsory Insurance incorporated in the PEOS and In-Charge Dominador R. Say, Coverage for Agency-Hired PDOS. and Insurance Commissioner Workers states that each The PEOS, which targets Dennis B. Funa, a sub-module migrant worker deployed by a those who are contemplating restricted; tips to avoid illegal to prepare them to cope with on OFW compulsory insurance recruitment or manning agency on working abroad, provides recruitment; advisories and living and working abroad; benefits will be incorporated shall be covered by a free general information on the warnings to OFWs; health and inform them of their rights and in the Pre-Employment compulsory insurance. pros and cons of overseas security issues; and government responsibilities; and provide Orientation Seminar (PEOS) This is pursuant to Section employment; guidelines, legal services available to overseas job them with the necessary and Pre-Departure Orientation 37–A of RA No. 8042, as amended procedures, and documentary applicants and hired workers. information to facilitate travel Seminar (PDOS) provided by RA No. 10022, otherwise requirements of applying for On the other hand, the PDOS, to, and adjustment within, the by the POEA and OWWA, known as Migrant Workers and an overseas job; overseas job which is provided to OFWs worksite and host country. respectively. Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. opportunities and jobs that are prior to their departure, seeks January-March 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 5 POLO Updates POLO Geneva launches financial education for OFWs

o strengthen the Finan- and to assess further financial cial Education and En- management needs of overseas Ttrepreneurial Workshop Filipinos. for Overseas Filipinos, the During the first gathering, Philippine Overseas Labor several partcipants shared that Office (POLO) - Geneva, in they have improved mindsets collaboration with the Philippine when it comes to saving and Mission to the United Nations in remitting money to their families Geneva, launched an innovative in the Philippines. program that explores advanced The Post noted the positive financial management concepts influence of the program on their and investment options for financial habits and encouraged Filipinos, as well as provide them to take concrete steps information on setting up towards involving their families specific livelihood projects. in thinking about long-term Generating feedback from considerations, such as health graduates of the Financial and retirement. Education classes covering Other attendees requested Batches 1 to 5 last March, Labor more classes that explore Attaché Delmer Cruz, head of specific investment portfolios, Labatt Delmer Cruz (right) facilitates one of the workshop groups as participants actively contribute to the discussion. POLO Geneva, said that the such as agriculture and tourism- new program will be expanded based enterprises. to include detailed modules on “Part of the innovation of information exchange, and ex- seas Filipinos have graduated vertising, financial statements, financial instruments and other the program is the adjustment pansion of the program to cov- from the 12-hour, 4-weekend and entrepreneurship. types of investments. of the curriculum, which will er areas in Bern, Switzerland,” course that features discussions The program is conducted on Additional consultation with include more information on Cruz said. and workshops on concepts a quarterly basis and is part of Batches 6 to 11 was held to vali- investment instruments, use Since the program was such as savings in the context of the gender and development date initial gathered information of social media for continuing launched, a total of 358 over- migration, marketing and ad- program of POLO Geneva.

New point system for foreign workers in Korea

anguage proficiency is new recruitment scheme is not Korea has designed the new mandatory skills test, work no longer a major hin- too strict in requiring applicants recruitment system to allow experience, physical condition, Ldrance for competent and to possess high language employers to hire the right related training, and skills dedicated Filipino workers who proficiency once they passed the person and provide them competency certification. Other details on the are interested in working in mandatory skills and optional with information on various The implementation of the implementation of the new system Korea. competency tests. qualifications of the job seeker new system started with online may be viewed at the POEA website The Philippine Overseas “The system will broaden its to be hired, including their registration for the paper-based poea.gov.ph. Employment Administration range for recruitment by giving Employment Permit System TOPIK on January 31 to February The implementation of the point system for recruitment of (POEA) said that a new chances to people who have – Test of Proficiency in Korea Applicants who are only foreign workers is supervised by qualified to register for TOPIK recruitment point system for low ability in speaking Korean (EPS TOPIK) results, skills test, the Ministry of Employment and must be between 18 to 38 years foreign workers in Korea will language but with considerable training course completions, Labor of the Republic of Korea old, with related work experience, allow experienced and skilled job experiences and proven national certificates, and job and administered by the Human no derogatory and deportation job seekers with low language dedication for the job,” the POEA experiences. Resources Development Services records, not restricted to depart of Korea in cooperation with proficiency to apply to any job said. The point system uses the from the Philippines, and without DOLE. (Abegail De Vega) that fit their qualifications. It said the Human Resources following selection criteria: any physical and medical handicaps Unlike the old system, the Development Services of Korean language test (TOPIK), that will hamper work efficiency.

o ensure that overseas The labor department is moni- workers or those who in- Anti-illegal recruitment drive intensified toring four other recruitment Ttend to work abroad are agencies which might also be en- protected, the government re- gaged in illegal activities. mains relentless in the campaign The POEA also warned the against illegal recruitment across public against unauthorized re- the country. cruitment of caregivers to Japan. In the first quarter of 2017, In an advisory, the POEA said DOLE Regional Office-7, togeth- that the 2016 Technical Training er with the Criminal Investiga- Program of Japan, which include tion and Detection Group opera- caregivers among those eligible tives, arrested three personnel jobs has not yet fully taken effect. of a local recruitment agency in It cautioned that any agency Cebu City for illegal recruitment engaged in such recruitment will activities. be considered to have violated The arrested individuals were existing rules and regulations. employees of Feljobs Manpower Undersecretary Dominador Services located at M.L. Que- Say issued a memorandum cir- zon St., Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City, cular informing all licensed whose license as a private re- landbased recruitment agen- cruitment and placement agency cies to refrain from recruiting expired in 2014. However, the caregivers for Japan, and even agency continued with its re- for manpower pooling since the cruitment activities. Philippines and Japan are yet to DOLE-7 reported that they conclude the agreement. have been monitoring the activi- The POEA meantime encou- ties of Feljobs since October 2016 rages the public to report to their and discovered that the agency hotline numbers 722-11-44 / 722- continued to hire workers and 11-55 any recruitment activity of publish recruitment advertise- this nature and warns the public ments in local newspapers. from applying at unlicensed re- The agency was also found to cruitment agencies, including be demanding P850.00 per head dealing with any person who is Three employees of Feljobs Manpower Services are brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office in as payment for the identification not an authorized representa- Cebu City after their Basak office was raided for illegal recruitment and for operating without legal documents. (Cebu card (ID) and for pre-employ- tive of a licensed agency. ( Luchel Daily News photo/Junjie Mendoza) ment medical examination. Taniza) 6 PHILIPPINE LABOR |January-March 2017 DOLE’s research programs focus ...62-year old painter on TNK, decent employment one of TNK’s Job Fair HOTS By Althea Louise D. Majan Department’s programs and services. By Celeste T. Maring s part of the agenda The IAC-RSM builds and strengthens the statistical capa- to have responsive, othing beats experi- Trade and Industry (DTI). city of DOLE toward proper tar- Aenabling, and equitable ence. The TNK Job Fair offered geting, planning, monitoring, labor policies, laws, and This was proven employment opportunities and regulations, members of the and evaluation of programs, N once more by 62-year old promoted entrepreneurship to projects, and activities. labor department’s Inter-Agency Rolando Sardenia when he workers, including returning The committee formulates Committee on Research and was hired-on-the-spot (HOTS) overseas Filipino workers, the statistical and research Statistical Matters (IAC-RSM) during the Trabaho, Negosyo, in Marikina City and nearby agenda of the DOLE; conducts charted the Department’s at Kabuhayan (TNK) Job Fair areas. regular meetings to monitor 2017 research agenda towards at the Riverbanks Mall in About 1,675 applicants the progress of agenda items studying the impact and Marikina City on March 4. joined the TNK Job Fair which and submit reports to the concerns of ‘Trabaho, Negosyo, Sardenia, who has more offered 25,000 jobs. Of the said “Research plays a Secretary; and develops Kabuhayan’ and the other decent than 40 years applicants, statistical protocols, policies, employment efforts. significant role in of experience 926 were and guidelines. It also serves The research commitments, as a painter, females and the development as a venue for proposing, which encompass the areas of was hired by 749 were discussing, reviewing, and employment, social dialogue, and improvement of Omniworxs males. clearing inter-agency statistical social protection, and labor policies in improving Manpower The TNK and research programs, governance, were part of the Agency. also offered the delivery of projects, and activities, for results of the strategic planning Assured of the seminars on endorsement to, and approval session held by IAC-RSM. the Department’s job offer, he job skills, of the Secretary; and facilitate Assistant Secretary for was advised to workers’ programs and capacity-building activities. Employment and Policy Support submit several rights, The IAC-RSM also holds an Alex V. Avila, who presides the services.” documentary livelihood annual research conference, committee, emphasized the requirements, opportunities, led by the Institute for Labor significant role that research such as NBI and about ALEX V. AVILA Studies (ILS), where Committee plays in the development and clearance and starting small Assistant Secretary for members present the results of improvement of policies in Barangay business. Employment and Policy Support their studies. improving the delivery of the Certificate. Some 20,000 “ Narinig jobs were ko sa radyo na offered by 97 Bello: SSS pension hike to benefit workers may job fair kaya nagbakasali participating companies. By Gerry S. Rubio ako. Nang tanungin nila During the first day of the abor Secretary Silvestre expense. including legal actions to reduce ako sa interview kung ano event, DOLE, represented by Bello III expressed support A 1.5 percent increase contribution delinquency, and daw ang bentahe ko sa mga Assistant Secretary Alex V. Lto President Rodrigo R. in contribution was set for executive intervention needed to batang aplikante, sabi ko yung Avila, DTI Assistant Secretary Duterte’s grant of Social Security implementation, or 12.5 percent improve collection. experience ko,” said Sardenia Ruth Castelo, and Marikina System’s across-the-board from the current 11 percent. In Bello said DOLE will who has been painting houses 1st District Congressman pension increase, saying the peso value, the additional total continuously observe stricter and buildings since he was 21 Bayani Fernando signed a additional amount is a much- contribution will range from implementation of the Labor years old. Declaration of Commitment deserved incentive for the two P15-P740, equally shared by Laws Compliance System Sardenia was among the to symbolize the pledge of million pensioners’ most fruitful employer and employee. (LLCS), specifically on hundreds of applicants who the participating agencies to years in service. “We must bear in mind that an monitoring the establishments’ were hired-on-the-spot during sustain the TNK initiative. Bello said workers’ additional actively paying SSS member can compliance with mandated the job fair. The TNK is anchored on the contribution to the SSS, which avail of social benefits and loan social benefits, particularly, The job fair was part of the theme, “Kasipagan, Katapatan, will fund the pension increase, privileges,” Bello said. SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-Ibig two-day pilot run of the TNK Kagalingan, Karangalan (4Ks) should be considered as their SSS is putting in place measures payments and remittances. program of the Department para sa mga Ganado sa Pag- long-term savings, and not an to ensure fund sustainability, of Labor and Employment asenso.” (DOLE) and Department of ‘Right to disconnect’ . . . from page 1 Rules on anti-age conditions and exemptions in line with it, subject to rules provided by the Department of Labor and Employment. discrimination . . . “Employees and employers know that there’s time for connection from page 1 Remit social contributions, and so does a time for disconnection. It’s always up to the Moreover, it is unlawful for an employees to oblige themselves to work even after office hours,” employer to deny any employee’s or Bello said. worker’s promotion or opportunity employers told He also added that completely disconnecting would be unrealistic for training because of age; forcibly for certain jobs, and the employers must be the one to implement lay off an employee or worker he labor department has pliance rate dipped to 84.69% a policy in accordance with the standards of the labor code, which because of old age; or impose early called on employers anew percent. will benefit both parties. retirement on the basis of such Tfor the full provision of The Labor Laws Compliance “It’s the employers’ own assessments and evaluations to reduce employee’s or worker’s age. benefits to their workers by way System administered by the out-of-hours work. They either implement a policy that will For labor contractors or subcon- of mandatory enrollment and re- BWC meanwhile noted an prevent their employees to work after office hours or compensate tractors, it shall be unlawful for mittance to the SSS, PhilHealth, 84.20 percent compliance rate them for extra workload,” Bello said. (Abegail De Vega) them to refuse to refer for employ- and Pag-IBIG. for Pagibig in 2015. This figure ment or otherwise discriminate The move was prompted by slightly dipped to 83.14 percent Families of OFWs . . . from page 1 against any individual because of numerous complaints of non- last year. such person’s age. Bello, together with OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac; Department compliance by employers in past For Philhealth compliance, As to labor organizations, it of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jess Yabes; DOLE Undersecretary months. the 44,524 establishments shall be unlawful for them to Dominador Say; and Angkla Partylist Representative, Congressman “This is one way of covered in 2015 scored 85.94 deny membership; to exclude Jesus Manalo, handed over the cash assistance to the beneficiaries of the safeguarding and protecting percent compliance, while the from its membership, or to cause missing seafarers. the rights of our workers. It is 60,376 covered establishments or attempt to cause an employer OWWA gave P100,000.00 to the families of seafarers Alfredo Getigan, to discriminate any individual also the employers’ legal and in 2016 recorded a lower Cesar Guadalupe, Canoyos Tandog and Patricio Naciongayo. The DFA, because of an individual’s age. moral responsibility to their compliance of 83.14 percent. on the other hand, gave out the same amount each to the next of kin of Although RA 10911 prohibits employees,” Labor Secretary Bello said that DOLE has been Jerry Cabag, Aaron Solangon, Donimmer Tandog and Roque De Guzman. discrimination in employment Silvestre Bello III said. receiving numerous complaints The Filipino seamen were on conduction operations on board a tug on account of age, it also sets He said that DOLE is from workers about their vessel M/T Rokku Maru, owned and operated by Tugsystems Marine exceptions or situations when it coordinating with SSS, employers’ non-remittance of Corporation, when they left the Port of Busan, Korea and went missing shall be lawful for an employer to Philhealth, and PAG-IBIG in SSS, Philhealth, and Pag-Ibig since January 24, 2016 on their way to Iligan City. set age limitations in employment. monitoring various companies contributions, which resulted OWWA also extended financial assistance to the family of Allan Any violation of RA 10911 shall and establishments’ compliance to the disapproval of their loan Navales, a Filipino seafarer who died in an accident on board a cruise be punished by a fine of not less with general labor standards. applications. ship in New Zealand on February 9. than P50,000 but not more than A Bureau of Working Con- This further prompted the Navales worked as a fitter mechanic on board the cruise ship M/S Emer- P500,000, or imprisonment of not ald Princess, under the agency Magsaysay Maritime Corporation. He was ditions (BWC) report said of labor department to strengthen less than three months but not 44,524 establishments moni- its coordination with the said reportedly killed when a lifeboat launcher gas canister that he was refill- more than two years, or both, at the tored in 2015, 86.24% complied agencies to improve informa- ing exploded. He died on the same day from multiple traumatic injuries. discretion of the court. As an active OWWA member, Navales’ family is entitled to P220,000 as Signed by Bello on February 2, with the SSS contribution and tion sharing and data monitor- death benefit; P20,000 as burial assistance, scholarship for one child, and the IRR took effect 15 days after remittance requirements. Last ing of employers’ remittance of livelihood assistance of P15,000 for the surviving spouse. These benefits its publication in a newspaper of year, covered establishments contributions. (Paul Ang) are on top of the assistance from Magsaysay agency. general circulation. increased to 60,376, but com- January-March 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 7 The Regions P3.8-M assistance to Zambales informal workers By Jerry Borja/Albert Aquino/Arvin Fabian ore than 300 Zambales DOLE Regional Director Atty. kits to benefit 100 marginalized workers started 2017 Ana Dione said that beneficiaries individuals. The starter kits are with good cheers also underwent the Entrepreneur- start-up carry-on businesses which M include slipper retail, manicure, with the award of P3,800,000.00 ship Development Training (EDT) Negosyo sa Kariton (NegoKart) to ensure the proper management pedicure, foot spa, hair cutting, projects and Kabuhayan Starter at of their businesses. massage therapy, and other health the Rizal Triangle, Olongapo City. “Each vendor-beneficiary was and wellness businesses. The award was led by Labor provided with a total of P15,000.00 Also handed out was another Secretary Silvestre Bello III. in livelihood assistance. This P1,050,000.00 livelihood check, He was joined by Rep. Jeffrey consists of a vending cart and made possible through the Khonghun and Olongapo City accessory livelihood tools costing Olongapo City Government’s Mayor RaulenPaulino in the initial P12,500.00, along with a working BUB, intended for 70 NegoKarts distribution of 50 NegoKarts capital amounting to P2,500.00,” to benefit 70 ambulant vendors amounting to some P750,000.00. she said. residing in the city. Fifty ambulant vendors, 25 from Bello handed over a Bello encouraged the Subic town and the remaining 25 P2,000,000.00 livelihood checks beneficiaries to manage their from Olongapo City, received the for 100 NegoKarts to benefit 100 livelihood projects well in hopes NegoKart project which are either ambulant vendors. Of the said of transforming them into NEGOKART FOR TARLAC BENEFICIARIES. Department of Labor and enhanced or start-up roving cart total, the amount of P1,500,000.00 sustainable businesses. Employment (DOLE) leads the distribution of Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) businesses with add-on items was provided through the “Ang tulong pangkabuhayan to two marginalized residents in the province of Tarlac. The awarding of the like fish balls, squidballs, kikiam, Municipality of Subic’s bottom-up na ibinahagi po sa inyo ng DOLE, livelihood grant was made possible in partnershp with the local government of “kakanin,” and merienda foods. budgeting (BUB). tulad nitong mga NegoKarts at Ramos, Tarlac. The assistance was sourced from The remaining P500,000.00, Starter Kits, ay isang tuloy-tuloy na DOLE Integrated Livelihood and under the DOLE’s regular hakbang ng gobyerno sa pagbibigay Emergency Employment Program livelihood funds, on the other ng alternatibong pagkakakitaan at beneficiaries, said the livelihood P500.00 o higit pa, depende po (DILEEP). hand, is intended for 100 starter pangkabuhayan para sa ating mga assistance is the best gift she kung may mahalagang okasyon dito kababayan upang maitaas nila ang received at the start of the New sa aming bayan, kaya maraming- antas ng kanilang pamumuhay at higit Year. “Napakalaking tulong po sa maraming salamat po sa DOLE at sa lahat ay makatulong sa kanilang amin ang ganitong klaseng proyekto umasa po kayo na ito po ay aming 87 workers get separation mga pamilya. Pahalagahan ninyo ito dahil ito po ay makakapagbigay na pagyayamanin,” Gimeo said. at pagyamanin,” Bello said. sa amin ng garantisadong arawang benefits, 13th month pay Luzviminda Gimeo, one of the kita mula P200.00 hanggang

en employees of a private longing and waiting for quite a time. company in Bukidnon, and We are thankful also to our employ- Wage hikes implemented in Visayas T77 construction workers from er because they have given what is Tacloban City, received their respec- due us,” the employees said. hree regions in the Visayas issued by the board in December The increase was affirmed tive monetary benefits following the Meanwhile, DOLE Regional Of- implemented wage in- 2015. The new wage order is by the NWPC on February settlement of their requests for assis- fice No. 8 Director Elias A. - Caya creases in the first quarter also not applicable to workers of 17 and took effect after its tance through the Single Entry Ap- nong commended the efforts made by T of 2017. duly registered Barangay Micro 15 days publication in the proach (SEnA). DOLE desk officers Norman Uyvico In Central Visayas, workers Business Enterprises (BMBEs). local newspaper of regional The employees from Bukidnon re- and VirgilioDoroja, Jr. for their con- were granted a P13 increase Moreover, apprentices and circulation. ceived their P119,000.00 separation ciliation skills that brought the par- in their daily minimum wage learners in Central Visayas In Eastern Visayas, workers in benefits through the DOLE Regional ties to a settlement, which is both effective March 10. Workers in should receive not less than the private sector received a wage Office No.10 - Bukidnon Provincial beneficial to the workers and the Class A cities and municipalities 75 percent of the prescribed increase between P10 and P25. Field Office’s assistance. management. or the expanded Metro Cebu will minimum wage rates. Qualified The wage increase, which On the other hand, the Bohol “We also appreciate the gesture of receive a new daily minimum handicapped workers, on the started on February 13, will workers received P766,436.67 for the Southern Pine Construction ma- wage of P366 while workers other hand, should be able enable workers in the non- their unpaid 13th month pay from nagement who positively responded in Class B, including the cities to receive the full amount of agricultural sector to receive a Southern Pine Construction, a con- to the call of the workers for a speedy of Toledo, Bogo, and the rest increase as specified in the new basic pay of P278.00 and P7.00 tractor engaged by Robinsons Cor- and inexpensive settlement proce- municipalities in Cebu, except wage order. COLA or a total of P285.00 per poration to undertake the construc- dure,” Cayanong said. the islands of Bantayan and Another P25 increase in day. tion of Summit Hotel. SEnA is an administrative ap- Camotes, will receive a daily rate the daily minimum wage of New and distressed DOLE RO 10 Bukidnon Field proach that provides speedy, impartial, pay of P333. workers in Western Visayas, establishments, as well as those Office Head Raul L. Valmores said inexpensive, and accessible settlement However, the new wage order including in Negros Occidental affected by calamities, such the 10 employees, led by Rinhold procedure for all issues or complaints does not include household or was implemented after a as natural or human-induced S. Mangubat, sought the assistance arising from employer-employee rela- domestic workers, persons in the series of public consultation disasters, are also exempted of DOLE-Buk PFO on January 24, tions thus prevent them from ripening personal service of another, as and hearings conducted by from implementing the new 2017, due to their employer’s non- into full-blown disputes or labor cases. they are covered by Wage Order Regional Tripartite Wages and wage order. (GSR/V. Doroja/A. De payment of 13th-month pay and un- (Tim Laderas/Abegail De Vega/with No. RBVI-D.W. 1, which was Productivity Board. Vega/L. Taniza/A. Judicpa) derpayment of wages. reports from Arcelie A. Escasinas and “We are very thankful to the V. Doroja, Jr.) DOLE because we received our money claims, which we have been In Ilocos Sur, P1-M grant to farmers ASEAN meet on migrant workers’ rights By Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez of 100 pieces of water hose, We are deeply grateful to DOLE received the equipment in the for the opportunity to improve our he Department of La- with the Philippine Overseas he labor department presence of the beneficiary economic conditions,” said Bacolod. bor and Employment Employment Administration extended the municipality associations. “The availability of more farm Thosted the Association (POEA) and Overseas Work- Tof San Emilio in Ilocos Juan Bacolod, the association implements in the municipality will of Southeast Asian Nations ers Welfare Administration Sur P1,032,500.00 worth of president, expressed his grati- enable farmers to achieve greater (ASEAN) Labor Ministers’ Re- (OWWA), led the negotiations livelihood assistance to help tude, especially to the DOLE, for efficiency and convenience from treat and the 10th Meeting of on the finalization of the in- the Tiagan Vegetable Growers providing livelihood assistance planting preparation to post-harvest the ASEAN Committee on Mi- strument. Association get a hand tractor that will benefit farmers-benefi- activities. The equipment rentals grant Workers (ACMW) last It can be recalled that the and five kuliglig. ciary in the province. will also beef up their income,” he February in Davao City. Declaration, which was a San Emilio Mayor Ferdinand “Having dedicated myself in the added. The retreat was aimed to en- groundbreaking move to ad- Banua, who also pledged farm for 49 years already, farming gage the ASEAN Labor Min- dress the issue of migrant P323,500.00 for the procurement has been the lifeblood of my family. isters and their senior officials workers in the ASEAN region, in an informal discussion on was signed on January 13, how to move forward with 2007, during the 12th ASEAN Workers in Misamis Occidental get P.9M the finalization of the instru- Summit held in Cebu. ment on the protection and The Philippine Chairman- n assistance worth streets, and planting trees timely for our workers because promotion of the rights of mi- ship of ASEAN 2017, which P877,000.00 was released along the side streets. they are all in dire need of income grant workers, which is one of coincides with the 50th anni- for the salaries of about Looc Barangay Captain since most are unemployed the main outcome documents versary of the ASEAN regional A 276 worker-beneficiaries under Consorcia Eduave, who poor. Through this program, of the Philippines’ ASEAN community, is anchored on the the TulongAlalay sa Ating witnessed the release we were able to give them hope Chairmanship this year. theme, “Partnering for Change, Displaced/ Disadvantaged of funds, expressed her and opportunity to earn work With the support of the Engaging the World.” (Althea workers (TUPAD) Program. gratitude to the DOLE for experiences,” said Eduave. Department of Foreign Af- Louise Majan with reports from The worker-beneficiaries the services extended to her (Dundee Daing) fairs (DFA), DOLE, together ILAB and POEA) conducted de-clogging of constituents. street canals, sweeping the “TUPAD Program is very As K-12 sets in Right to organize assured

he right to self-organize with the Department of by personnel of higher ed- Education (DepEd) and Tucational institutions shall Technical Education and not be affected in the implemen- Skills Development Authority tation of the K-12 Program. Also, (TESDA) in developing a policy adequate protection will be giv- that ensures skill acquisition en to senior high school students without compromising the who will be undergoing hands- protection and safety of students ‘1349’ gains ground on experience or work simula- in implementing the K to 12 tion under the program. Work Immersion Program. By Celeste T. Maring These are contained in Labor The work immersion is Advisory No. 2, Series of 2017 part of the SHS Curriculum that otline 1349 has satis- ensuring the school employees’ consists of 80 hours of hands- factorily responded to right to self-organization as the on experience which the Grade H7,801queries of 5,508 Philippine education curriculum 11 and 12 students will have callers for the period January- implements the K-12 program. to undergo to expose them to March 2017. The AO also created the the actual workplace setting The Hotline serves as the Technical Working Group for K and enrich the competencies DOLE’s feedback mechanism to to 12 Work Immersion Program provided by the school. gauge the public’s pulse on its (TWG for K12-WIP) to protect The work immersion programs and services delivery. senior high school students who shall not be considered as Majority of the queries were will be undergoing hands-on employment arrangement but on social protection and welfare experience or work simulation only to serve the K-12 Program concerns, numbering 5,160 or 70 “The legal personality of purpose of exposing the percent of calls. The highest num- faculty associations, teaching students to actual workplace ber of calls related to this were and non-teaching union, or setting and augment the inquiries on holiday verification similar organizations shall not competencies provided by the and holiday pay rules with 4,281 be affected by reason of the schools. The labor advisory calls. There were 521 calls about displacement of their members also provides that the work separation, 257 about resigna- during the transition period of immersion of students shall be tion, and 164 about probationary/ K-12 program,” the AO said. allowed only between 8:00 am regularization/part-time/OJT. DOLE 1349 HOTLINE. Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III tests the facilities Labor Advisory No. 2, to 5:00 pm. There were 1,557 calls related of the upgraded DOLE 24/7 hotline service by responding to a query on Series of 2017, or the Right The work immersion of to labor relations, 395 of which holiday pay rules during its inauguration at the 4th Floor, DOLE Central Office to self-organization Relative students below 15 years old and are on the Single Entry Approach Building. Joining the Secretary are Undersecretaries Dominador R. Say and to the Implementation of with shall not be longer than (SEnA) mechanism; 443 on vol- Joel Maglunsod, and other DOLE officials and employees. K-12 Program was issued to four hours in any given day. untary arbitration; and 152 calls safeguard the implementation Students, regardless of on adjudication. calls; alien employment permit, per day during the period, and and enforcement of the right to age, shall not be allowed for Employment recorded 1,084 222, and PRPA permit, 201 calls. most of these calls were satisfac- self-organization of teaching work immersion in industries calls, which include queries on On the average, the Call Center torily answered by Hotline action and non-teaching personnel in and activities considered as employment facilitation, 335 received 178 calls and 252 queries officers. Higher Education Institutions. hazardous in accordance with The AO provides that DOLE Department Order members of the faculty No. 149, Series of 2016, or the associations, teaching and Guidelines in Assessing and Report abuses to children non-teaching union, or similar Determining Hazardous Work organizations who were in the Employment of Person displaced because of the K-12 below 18 Years of Age. of OFWs through Hotline program shall cease their It is also provided that the membership unless otherwise work immersion shall in no case provided in their constitution result in the replacement of or abor Secretary Silvestre said that children left behind by ports received by Hotline 1349 and by-laws. diminution of benefits of the Bello III urged the public OFW parents are prone to abus- will be validated and investi- In ensuring the protection workers in the partner enterprise Lto call Hotline 1349 to re- es. gated by DOLE, in coordina- of senior high school students, or company. (CT Maring/MD port abuses on children of OFW “We have to protect these tion with the Department of So- the TWG will coordinate Dometita) parents. children. One way of protect- cial Welfare and Development “I am asking the public that ing them is to report this to our (DSWD) and Department of Jus- if they witness or suspect that a Hotline 1349 which operates on tice (DOJ). child of an OFW is being abused, a 24/7 basis. We will investigate, He added that the DOLE they should call our Hotline and if necessary, rescue the child. Hotline is in line with the di- ... As help desk is set up 1349 so we can ensure the safety Mahirap kasi na ang pinagtitiwa- rective of President Rodrigo R. of the child,” Bello said. laan mo na mag-aalaga sa anak mo Duterte for government agen- By Althea Lousie D. Majan the DOLE Central Office; Citing the UNICEF’s Na- ay iyon pa ang mag-aabuso sa mga cies to ensure that queries and and also respond to requests tional Baseline on the Study on bata,” he said. concerns of the public will be o improve the delivery received through phone, text, Violence against Children, he According to Bello, the re- immediately acted upon. of services to overseas electronic mail, or the official TFilipino workers, a ILAB Facebook account. help desk that will attend to It will monitor news requests for assistance from reports concerning OFWs and overseas Filipino workers reports to the DOLE Secretary (OFWs) and their families has immediately before endorsing been created. to the concerned offices for In Administrative Order their appropriate action. No. 40, the Assistance to All cases handled by Migrants and their Families the AMD are encoded in the Desk (AMD) is directly under Foreign Labor Operations the Office of the International Information System (FLOIS). Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) It is an interactive database Director. system designed to accelerate The AMD is headed the monitoring and reporting by a labor attaché and system of the DOLE in terms staffed by overseas plantilla of job gains and losses, personnel, particularly those labor market information, serving the mandatory labor and welfare cases and three-year government repatriation, security, safety, service requirement before and protection of the OFWs. deployment and those who Weekly reports are are on two-year home office also submitted to the DOLE assignment after their end of Secretary, through the cluster tour of duty. head, to monitor the actions The AMD will attend taken and status updates of to OFWs or their families the requests handled by the REINTEGRATING THE OFWS. OWWA Admistrator Hans Leo Cacdac, leads the ‘Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan fair for who personally appear at AMD. OFWS and their families. The event was jointly organized on March 28, 2017 by DOLE-OWWA, POEA, BLE, DOLE-NCR and NRCO.