DOLE TO HIRE LARGE CLEAN-UP CREW FOR TAAL REHAB P3

Reklamo sa amo? Wagas na kaltas, atpb.? Itawag mo na! DOLE HOTLINE 1349 KUWAIT REAPS BAN IN PINAY DEATH EQUIVOCATION, FUDGED REPORT ON VILLAVENDE SLAY,

FORCE PH TO SHUT DOWN photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS OFW DEPLOYMENT TO KUWAIT A MAN OF MANY PARTS. Secretary Silvestre Bello III does not only preside over the country’s employment sector, he is also President Duterte’s chief consigliere in the goverment’s peace AND INVOKE LABOR PACT talks with the CPP-NDF. Last January 25, 2020 Secretary Bello was a recipient of the Rotary Golden Wheel Award for Peace and Conflict. Photo shows Rotary International District 3780 P2 Governor Bernadette Herrera-Dy handing the award to Secretary Bello. DOLE TO STAGE ME EVAC AMID US-IRAN SPIRAL, GOV’T STAGES PLAN TO BRING HOME OFWS P3

photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS photo by POLO-Tokyo, Japan photo by OWWA RWO1 photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS NEWS OVERSEAS EDITOR’S NOTE GOOD NEWS Bagong taon, Germany hires Behind turmoil, a Assistance await bagong sweldo more Pinoy nurses silver lining returning OFWs P2 P5 P4 P3 2 January 2020 Kuwait reaps ban in Pinay death

AN alleged attempt to cover follow the provisions of the professionals including Filipino “Those who went home for that the ban had the imprimatur up the true cause of death of a standard employment contract crew seafarers for Kuwait.” vacation and those with existing of President Pinay the Philippine government Sec. Bello, however, quali- contracts are still allowed whose program priorities has resulted in the imposition and Kuwait agreed on during fied that skilled workers and to travel to Kuwait. Only include workers’ welfare and of a total deployment ban of the 2018 Memorandum of professionals who have unex- workers with new contracts OFW security. Filipino workers to Kuwait by Agreement between the two pired contracts or categorized are covered by the ban. This is Earlier Sec. Bello had directed the Philippine government, countries. as “Balik-Manggagawa,” and meant to ensure the protection the POEA to temporarily Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello “Under the 2018 MOU, we those who will be cleared by the of our workers in Kuwait,” the suspend the processing and III recently said. were supposed to come up Secretary of Labor are exempt- secretary said. deployment of OFWs to Kuwait. Sec. Bello made the statement with a standard employment ed from the ban. The resolution also noted –Paul R. Ang last January 16, 2020 when he contract in order to provide disclosed a glaring disparity sufficient protection for our between an earlier finding from OFWs in Kuwait. But the welfare the Kuwait Ministry of Health and security provisions in the and the latter autopsy report MOU have not been enforced from the National Bureau of by the host country. We have Investigation (NBI) on the not finalized anything,” Sec. remains of OFW Jeanelyn Bello stated. Villavende, who was brutally The labor secretary said murdered by her Kuwaiti the ban will remain in effect employer late last year. and no Filipino worker will “Our poor OFW was sexually be deployed to Kuwait as long abused and the Kuwaiti as justice is not met for the authorities attributed her death Villavende family and if the to a cardiac arrest induced agreements in the 2018 MOU by her physical injuries. How are not enforced. could they say that? Even some The total deployment ban of her internal organs were came into effect when the missing. Their report is in grave POEA Governing Board passed contrast with the findings of Resolution No. 4, series of 2020 the NBI that she was sexually which states that “a total ban abused,” Sec. Bello stressed. is imposed on the processing photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS Sec. Bello added that another and deployment of all domestic mitigating reason for the total workers or household service DOLE OFFICIALS MEET PARENTS OF OFW KILLED IN KUWAIT. Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III talks with the parents deployment ban was the failure workers (HSW), semi- of Jeanelyn Villavende, the household service worker who died in the hands of her employer in Kuwait, with Overseas Workers Welfare of the Kuwaiti government to skilled, skilled workers and Administration (OWWA) Chief Hans Leo Cacdac and International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) Director Alice Visperas. Apart from death, burial benefits and livelihood to be extended to Jeanelyn’s family, Bello discussed preparations being made by DOLE on the arrival of her remains. BAGONG TAON, BAGONG SWELDO Kasambahays in NCR, C. Luzon and E. Visayas get much deserve pay hike THE new year looks happy employers to pay, and other received a monthly minimum A happy new year domestic workers and their indeed for kasambahays, or relevant data affecting the wage of P4,000 will now get a families and the employer’s domestic workers, in different interests of both employers and monthly minimum of P4,500. indeed for Eastern capacity to pay. regions of the country as domestic workers. Those in other municipalities Visayas kasambahays Kasambahays in the region their wages were significantly The new order will apply to in Central Luzon who were deserve the pay hike since increased over the holidays all kasambahays, in the National previously getting P3,500 EASTERN Visayas also petitions for their wage increase by respective regional wage Capital Region, whether will now receive a monthly received a much-awaited raise of had been pending since 2016, RD boards. on a “live-in” or “live-out” minimum of P4,000. the monthly salaries for domestic Centi said. In , the pay arrangement. The wage order “After holding extensive public workers during the new year. “We are more than happy that increase of domestic workers was published in the Philippine hearings, the board found Regional Director Yahya Centi we are able to perform our duty was approved last December Star last December 18, 2019. It it necessary to increase, not announced the pay raise during for the good of our kasambahays by the Regional Tripartite took effect last January 2, 2020. only the prevailing minimum the first flag-raising ceremony and domestic workers here in Wages and Productivity Board –Kim Lagcao wage in the region, but also for the year for DOLE Region 8 Region 8. They truly deserve - National Capital Region the monthly salary of our employees last January 6, 2020. the increase considering that no (RTWPB-NCR). The NCR wage kasambahays,” RD Angara- RD Centi said that the adjustment has been made to Central Luzon their wages in the last three years board issued Wage Order No. Campita said. “This is in regional tripartite wage board even though prices of goods have NCR-DW-02, providing for the kasambahays get pay addition to the other mandatory had approved a wage increase been increasing in the region,” new monthly minimum wage benefits such as SSS, PhilHealth, for domestic workers for the increase RD Centi said. for domestic workers in the and Pag-ibig coverage that they region’s six provinces. Wage Order No. RBVIII- The new wage order shall National Capital Region (NCR). IN CENTRAL Luzon, DOLE are also entitled to,” she added. DW-02 mandates an increase apply to the following domestic The order mandates all likewise raised the monthly The wage order covers all of P2,000 in the monthly wage workers in the region whether employers to pay an additional minimum wage of household workers who regularly rates of kasambahays in Eastern on a “live-in” or “live-out” P1,500 to the salaries of their helpers over the new year. perform domestic work in one Visayas. For chartered cities arrangement: general house domestic workers. Metro household on an occupational Regional Director Zenaida and first class municipalities, help, yaya, cooks, gardeners, Manila kasambahays will now Angara-Campita, said that the basis, whether in a “live-in,” or the new minimum wage will laundry persons or any person get a monthly minimum wage wage hike for domestic workers “live-out,” arrangement. now be pegged at P4,500 who regularly performs of P5,000, up from the previous in Central Luzon took effect on The order, however, does not while kasambahays in other domestic work in a household on P3,500. January 1, 2020, 15 days after it cover service providers, family municipalities in the region will an occupational arrangement. The increase comes in the was published in a newspaper drivers, child caretakers under get monthly wage of P4,000. The Meanwhile, service wake of a series of public of general circulation last foster family arrangements, order also took effect last January providers, family drivers, hearings and deliberations by December 17, 2019. and others who perform work 1, 2020. children under foster family the NCR wage board following She said that Wage Order occasionally and not on an RD Centi said that the increase arrangements and those who a review of the socio-economic No. RBIII-DW-02 provides occupational arrangement. was a result of the public hearing perform work on an occasional conditions in the region such as household service workers The last wage hike for the wage board conducted last arrangement are not covered the needs of domestic workers working in the region’s kasambahays in Central Luzon November 25, 2019. The decision by the wage order, he said. and their families, prevailing chartered cities and first class was issued in 2017. –A. Cunanan also included socio-economic – Norma Rae S. Costimiano wage rates, capacity of the municipalities who previously inputs such as the needs of the

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October-December 2017 January 2020 3 DOLE to stage ME evacuation THE Department of Labor and Lebanon to map out the possible Employment has set aside an repatriation of OFWs there. Bello initial P600 million for assistance also assigned Overseas Workers photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS and immediate repatriation of Welfare Administrator Hans Leo overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Cacdac to attend to OFWs in the DOLE PRESS BRIEFING ON REPATRIATION OF OFWs IN THE MIDDLE EAST. DOLE Officials led by Secretary Silvestre Bello III roll out who could be brought home due Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and government’s plan to repatriate OFWs in the Middle East who may be in danger due to the escalating tensions between the and to the mounting tension between Kuwait, while he delegated DOLE Iran, during the press briefing held at DOLE Intramuros, Manila. Also in the press briefing were BLE Director and Asec-OIC Dominique Tutay, the US and Iran in the Middle Undersecretary Claro Arellano to OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia, and Undersecretary Renato Ebarle. East. handle Filipino workers in the This was announced last (UAE). January 8, 2020 by Labor Secretary The three officials will ensure Silvestre Bello III following the a well-coordinated and safe tense brinkmanship between repatriation for our workers, he Livelihood and cash assistance the US and Iran in the wake of said. the killing of Iranian General They will encourage and try Quassem Soleimani by a US to persuade our OFWs to avail of await returning Mideast OFWs military drone. our repatriation plans although Sec. Bello also said that we cannot force those who want THE Overseas Workers Wel- mented and undocumented Arevalo, Tetchie Zablan, alternative overseas and local to stay, Sec. Bello added. fare Administration (OWWA) OFWs, are currently in Iraq. Melba Tayawi, Mortaja employment oportunities are “We will ask them to join the has announced that liveli- From these figure, 847 are in Hamzah Tayawi, and Nelicia being readied for OFWs who repatriation efforts, however, if hood projects and cash assis- Baghdad, 655 in Erbil, and Guzman. The second batch might be rendered workless in they do not cooperate, then we tance await overseas Filipino 148 in Sulaymaniyah, accord- included OFWs Ednilyn case war breaks out between the can no longer do anything about workers who will be repatri- ing to Dicang. Modesto, Maria Morales, US and Iran. it. We will also get in touch with ated from the Middle East Labor Secretary Silvestre Gerlene Daquiz, and Antonio Bello met with officials their employers to let our OFWs due to the growing tension Bello III said that aside from Lim. of the Department of Justice come home,” Sec. Bello stressed. between the US and Iran. getting livelihood assistance, To ensure a smooth (DOJ), Department of National Administrator Cacdac On January15, 2020, 13 the repatriated OFWs are repa-triation process, the Defense (DND), National said that a 100-million-peso OFWs were repatriated by the expected to receive a cash Philippine government Security Advisers, NICA, and repatriation fund will be added to Philippine government and assistance of P20,000 for assisted the OFWs in the Mindanao Development DOLE’s 500 million pesos stand- welcomed by OWWA OIC active OWWA members, securing exit visas from Authority to discuss repatraition by fund for crisis and emergency Administrator Josefino Torres and P10,000 for non-active their employers and other plans and the situation of Filipino situations which can be utilized and Deputy Administrator members. necessary documents while workers in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon immediately. Mocha Uson at the Ninoy OIC Administrator Torres they were in the Middle East. and other neighboring countries There are around 2,174,611 Aquino International Airport and Deputy Administrator Government’s thrust to affected by the tension. He said documented and undocumented Terminal 3 from Iraq via Uson also briefed the bring home Filipino workers that Rapid Response Teams in the Middle East. This Doha, Qatar. returning OFWs about in the Middle East is in (RRT) have been been organized include those working in Dubai, The returning OFWs OWWA’s programs and relation to the enforced for immediate deployment to the Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, were accompanied by Qatar services. mandatory repatriation in the Middle East. and Israel. The government also Labor Attaché David Des The first batch of the countries currently affected “I informed the group that I estimate a total of 2,191 Filipinos Dicang and welcomed by repatriates from Baghdad by the US-Iran conflict. Paul– was sending my senior officials in Iraq and 1,184 in Iran. Labor Undersecretary Claro included OFWs Cristina R. Ang to appraise our OFWs on the At the initial stage of the US-Iran conflict and the plans US-Iran conflict, no OFW had Arellano. Barcos, Melinda Bucalos, of the government for their expressed willingness to be A total of 1,640, docu- Rose Pink Tizon, Annajoy repatriation,” Bello said. repatriated, or communicated He said that he was with DOLE requesting for designating Philippine Overseas repatriation or assistance from Many families have contacted Repatriated Filipinos will and encouraged to apply for Employment Administration the government, Sec. Bello said. us but only to check on their be provided with livelihood other overseas job markets such (POEA) Administrator Bernard “As of now, we have not situations and to ask for updates assistance, offered training under as Russia, Japan, and , Olalia to lead the Rapid Response received any request from an on the tense situation in the the Technical Education and Skills Sec.Bello added.–Paul R. Ang Team. Olalia would leave for OFW requesting to go home. Middle East,” he said. Development Authority (TESDA) DOLE to hire large clean-up crew for Taal rehab

THE Department of Labor The interns will be engaged and Employment (DOLE) has for a period 30 days and will allocated P72.6 million to help receive a salary of P12,050, which communities affected by the is equivalent to the prevailing eruption of Taal volcano. minimum wage in the region. The amount will be used to The interns will also be hire 6,000 government interns entitled to insurance coverage who will be assigned to ten under the Government Service areas in that have been Insurance System. heavily battered by the eruption. The DOLE-GIP is open to Labor Secretary Silvestre beneficiaries who are at last 18 Bello III said that under years old especially those with DOLE’s Government Internship no work or with intermittent Program (DOLE-GIP) 6,000 work experiences, and are either interns will be assigned in graduates from high school, an the affected municipalities of alternative learning system, or a Lemery, Mataas na Kahoy, technical-vocational course. Agoncillo, Laurel, Talisay, Taal, Last January 16, 2020 the San Nicolas, Balite, San Jose, and labor secretary distributed rice, Sta. Teresita. water, canned goods, noodles, Sec. Bello said that the biscuits, and N95 face masks program aims to provide to the affected residents when temporary employment to he attended the Taal situation photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS affected residents and at briefing at the Batangas the same time help the local Provincial Sports Complex. – DOLE JOINS NGAs IN TAAL ERUPTION SITUATION BRIEFING. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (second from the left), together with other cabinet members, join President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in checking the condition and needs of affected residents, during a situation briefing at government units in their Althea Louise D. Majan the Batangas Provincial Sports Complex on January 14, 2020. rehabilitation efforts.

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 4 January 2020

EDITOR’S NOTE: Behind turmoil, a silver lining REGIONAL DIRECTOR NATHANIEL “NAT” LACAMBRA THE death of an OFW and another specter of war in the Middle East once again limn the challenges that continue to beset our overseas A dep’t wunderkind continuous Filipino workers. These challenges not only include the common ones native to their work: dislocation, estrangement, racial and gender discrimination, his trailblazing ways exploitation, double-dealing recruiters, even unhinged and predatory employers. The grisly murder of Jeanelyn Villavende last December is just the DIRECTOR Nathaniel latest chapter of a recurring tragedy on the pitfalls of working abroad. Lacambra may not admit it, Although Villavende’s death has galvanized government to “seek but the qualities of his roots for blood and justice” and impute culpability and negligence on her are evident in his long career host country, the death of an OFW is always a high price to pay in as a public servant. underscoring the inadequacies of policy, law, and culture of a foreign The director of Regional country. Office No. 1 (DOLE-RO1), Even without the occupational hazards inherent in their work, our carries these virtues without OFWs, on the whole, are always in the shadow of strife and war. This is his effusing them. borne from a stilted form of providence that has always placed them in An inordinate sense the purview of peril, either as witness or as collateral. of dedication to his job is Compounding matters for our OFWs was the daring “killing” implicit in his bearing, as of Iranian General Quassem Soleimani by an American attack drone they are in most government earlier this month in Iraq, an act that placed the world on tenterhooks officials. But behind this and has stretched the fragile state of our OFWs in the Middle East. veneer, like a secret garb The rapid repatriation plan assembled by the Department of Labor and Employment, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, hidden by an official shirt, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and our diplomatic one senses the qualities that corps led by Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III and Secretary Roy Cimatu is underpin his amazing rise both laudable and heroic. from within the ranks of the Thankfully, tensions seem to have slid down to a quiet denouement. labor department – unerring This gives us hope that the worst has come to pass and that the saber work ethic, hardscrabble rise, rattling from the antogonists implies that it was all just a pyrrhic unstinting devotion to what skirmish and not much else. That stability will once again reign, that he does, and his own native peace will trump war, and that with renewed peace the world will intelligence. continue in its obstinate trek toward progress and harmony. Qualities which are a And this wish perhaps holds greater currency for us, not only simulacra of the famous DOLE’S “Three-peat man” because of our OFWs but, mainly because of our economy. Our economy ethos of the Ilocano; they lurk is now one of the world’s best performing economies, and absent war just behind his disarming At a stage when most regional honchos started or environmental cataclysm, it is destined to purr on to greater growth. affability and they shed young men are just settling in Region 2, then he served And herein lies the greater hope that our growth spurt will sustain light to his backstory that is into their career paths, RD distinguished careers in programs such as the administration’s Build, Build, Build program apparently famous among his Lacambra holds the record of Region 3 and Region 5. which, in tandem with President Rodrigo Duterte’s other social peers. ameliorative and development goals, will provide the foundation of a being the youngest division And in this stints, he The cartography of RD future finally devoid of a Filipino working in a foreign shore constantly chief at a callow 28 years old. continued to burnish Lacambra’s career is an cringing in fear, either from a predatory employer, or the scary whistle Then, at an age were most his singular cachet of inspiring story, one that is of an incoming bomb. young men are just hitting accomplishments. In 2015 replete in government, of their stride in their chosen he was feted by the Armed vision, unstinting drive, careers he became an assistant Forces of the for and dint of spearheading the hardwork—the provision of livelihood archetypal story projects for rebel of a yeoman’s His modesty aside, returnees in Southern rise above his lot RD Lacambra’s legend in Luzon. He even got to better himself an award from the and find success the labyrinthine hallways Justice department and respect from for remarkably giving among his peers. of the department does employment to what Executive Editor | RAUL M. FRANCIA But being true many consider as Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO to his Ilocano not stand on myth-putty. unemployable – ex- lineage, the Senior Writers | CORAZON C. GONZALES | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS They emanate from a cons and former ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN | PETER PAUL R. ANG director doesn’t jailbirds. exude such myth. deep and rich source As regional director Contributing Writers | HERSHEY AQUINO, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR RD Lacambra is for the , ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | REGINALD ESTIOCO, RO2 unassuming as he just like his pride of JELYN ABELLA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A he was a recipient is plain spoken. EMMANUEL ANTONIO PORTUGAL, RO4-B | JOHANA VI GASGA, RO5 place for he holds the of the “Onrang NIEZEL ANEN SABRIDO, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 What exudes from Andurog,” one of the NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO, RO8 | KAREN CLAIRE GRAFIA, RO9 him is a sense of department’s “career most coveted awards MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | EDUARDO MONREAL, RO11 engagement and for public service in CHRISTOPHER GAMBOA, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEMATA, CARAGA dedication to his three-peat” record: Bicolandia, which is Creative Artists | VERONICA C. CASIL | RAMJAE VON J. ESCOBER work, especially awarded to those who

Photographers | JOMAR S. LAGMAY | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ when it comes to youngest division chief, have made significant his duties as main Circulation Manager | GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE youngest assistant impact on the socio- purveyor of decent economic lives of the Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | RANDY F. FERNANDEZ employment, regional director, and people of Bicol. industrial peace, All these past The PHILIPPINE LABOR is the official publication of the and workers’ youngest regional and current acclaim Department of Labor and Employment welfare in the only goes to show with editorial office at the director. Information and Publication Service region. that even now that 1st Floor, OPLE Building, Intramuros, Manila. But his RD Lacambra is the modesty aside, second most senior RD Lacambra’s legend in the regional director at a stripling director in the department, labyrinthine hallways of the 31, also a department record. the virtues that had made department does not stand And by age 43, like a him a wunderkind among the on myth-putty. They emanate Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. man seeking a career three- department’s career officers Mail or fax them in, or call us from a deep and rich source peat, RD Lacambra became continue to play in his drive at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, just like his pride of place— the department’s youngest to break ground in DOLE’s 623, 625, 626, 627. Our fax number is 527-3446. hardscrabble, yes, but also regional director. His first ledger of excellent service You may also visit our website: verdant and rich. stint as one of DOLE’s from among its people. www.dole.gov.ph; or e-mail us at [email protected].

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October-December 2017 January 2020 • OVERSEAS • 5 Germany to get more POEA to keep an eye on Polish deployment

THE Philippine Overseas have complained of poor Filipino nurses Employment Administration labor conditions and human (POEA) has ordered Philippine trafficking activities. Some THE Federal Republic of orthopedics, and psychiatry. of €2,000 (gross) and an increase licensed recruitment agencies Filipinos deployed as factory Germany has opened additional Qualified applicants must be a to € 2,400 after recognition as a sending Filipino workers to workers have complained of job opportunities for Filipino Filipino citizen and a permanent qualified nurse. Poland to strictly monitor and exorbitant placement fees and nurses to address its urgent resident of the Philippines Employers will shoulder address alleged violations of unauthorized deductions made need for healthcare professionals and a graduate of Bachelor of visa and airfare expenses as the terms and conditions of by their recruitment agencies under the continued Science in Nursing. Applicants they travel from the Philippines employment of the workers they and employers. implementation of its Triple Win must also possess an active to Germany and will assist the have deployed. Administrator Olalia ordered Project. Philippine Nursing License with employee in finding suitable OWWA Administrator the concerned recruitment Since 2013, 903 nurses have at least two years of professional accommodations in the host Bernard Olalia issued the agencies to comply with the been deployed to Germany under experience as nurse in hospitals, country. However, a selected directive based on reports of directive and immediately send a government-to-government rehabilitation centers and other nurse will bear the expenses in rampant contract substitution their reports to the Director, hiring scheme that provides a healthcare institutions. full or in part for the board and in Poland resulting in OFWs Welfare and employment Office, streamlined application process An interested applicant must lodging. running away from their Attention: Welfare Services and ensures protection for be proficient in German or is Qualified applicants should employers. Branch. Filipino nurses, as administered willing to undergo German first register online at www. There were also reports “Non-compliance shall by the Philippine Overseas language training paid by ZAV/ poea.gov.ph or at http:// that some Filipinos deployed be dealt with accordingly,” Employment Administration BA, where they are to attend onlineservices.poea.gov.ph/ in the road transport industry, Administrator Olalia warned. (POEA). the language classes slated for OnlineServices/POEAOnline. This year, the International April and May 2020. They have aspx and personally submit particularly trailer truck drivers, Placement Service of the German to achieve B1 or B2 language the required documents at the Federal Employment Agency proficiency levels in accordance counters of Manpower Registry (ZAV/BA) needs qualified with Common European Division, Ground Floor, Blas applicants to fill up 550 nurse Framework of Reference for F. Ople Bldg. (formerly POEA vacancies for ICU, geriatric care Languages. Bldg.), Ortigas Avenue corner Free upskilling and general wards, medical Successful candidates shall EDSA, Mandaluyong City. and surgery wards, neurology, have a starting monthly salary for Pinoys in Qatar

THE Philippine Overseas Philippine government in Labor Office – Overseas Qatar. Workers Welfare Administra- The courses offered tion (POLO-OWWA) has wel- this year are Information comed several overseas Fili- Technology (basic and pino workers (OFWs) during advance IT), with classes the recent registration for the running from February to training programs on IT, cu- June, and an initial batch on linary arts and construction construction safety officer safety held in the Migrant training course, which will Workers and Other Overseas run from February to April. Filipino Resource Center. The other course is on As reported in the Qatar baking and the culinary Tribune the training program arts under the Culinary is aimed at improving the Training Program of DOLE- skills of the OFWS and OWWA (formerly WASAHQ preparing them for other Culinary Arts). career options. “Our main goal is to Started in 2008, the prepare our compatriots by program is sponsored by the equipping them with new and Philippine Embassy in Doha upgraded skills should they and the Department of Labor finally decide to retire and photo by POLO-London and Employment (DOLE). return to the Philippines,” It is considered as one of DOLE-OWWA IT program the most successful OFW head volunteer Robin Oira OUTREACH FOR OFWS. The Philippines Overseas Labor Office- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) has regularly conducted outreach programs for OFWs in Europe helping them process their employment and welfare documents. Photo shows OFWs being initiatives conducted by the recently told Qatar Tribune. assisted by POLO-OWWA staffers in Dublin, Ireland. Family of OFW killed in Labor officials extend services to Pinoys in Ireland car crash get death benefits THE Philippine Overseas Labor insurance coverage and other Office – Overseas Workers social protection programs and THE Overseas Workers Welfare The officials visited the Nucos Cacdac together with OWWA Welfare Administration (POLO- services to OFWs. Administration (OWWA) re- home in San Carlos, Caba, La RWOI’s OIC Director Gerardo OWWA) extended various Aside from the services cently provided assistance to the Union last January 3, 2020 to Rimorin and Vergara were also services to Filipino workers in mentioned, POLO-OWWA UK family of the OFW who died in a hand over a check amounting with the family when the remains Ireland during a recent outreach also responded to several queries tragic accident in Singapore last to Php 220,000 to the victim’s of the OFW arrived last January mission conducted by the from Filipino workers and December 29, 2019. parents, Reynaldo Nucos and 1, 2020 at Clark International Philippine Embassy London. provided a briefing on POLO- Burial and death benefits Alice Nucos-Austria. Airport, Mabalacat, Pampanga. About a hundred OWWA programs and services were given to the family of Arlyn Prior to that, OWWA RWOI On the other hand, OFW employment-related documents to the attendees. Nucos, the OFW who died in a has been in contact with the Araceli Nucos, the older sister were processed including POLO-OWWA UK, in tragic car accident in Singapore. Nucos family after the incident. of Arlyn who was in critical contract registration, Overseas coordination with the Philippine Her family was visited by Last December 30, 2019 Welfare condition after the accident, Employment Certificate Embassy, will replicate the OWWA Regional Welfare Office Assistance Unit Head (WAU) recently went through her first (OEC) issuance, and OWWA program in other parts of I’s Supervising Administrative Loreta Vergara along with FWO operation for her fractured membership registration. the . Similar Officer Emmanuel Santiago Maglaya immediately visited leg. She is currently admitted The activity was part of the activities is also lined up for Diaz; Social Benefit Unit Head the family to lend sympathy and in a hospital in Singapore POLO-OWWA UK’s efforts to other European countries such Marissa Naboye; and Family advise them on the repatriation and the family is in constant assure Filipino workers of fair as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Welfare Officer Khristian Paul of the remains of their sister. communication with her already. and just terms and conditions Finland, Iceland, Gibraltar, Maglaya. OWWA Administrator Hans Leo of employment, provide Greenland, and Faroe Islands.

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 6 • AGENCIES • January 2020 For new “conciliators,” systems and ECC extends helping diversity are first steps in NLRC QUEZON CITY – Showing that Orientation speakers were Atty. the world. hand to hero its people are honed not only Cherry Sarmiento and Belen They also learned the in the virtues of mediation but Nicasio, representing the NLRC provisions of the Magna Carta also in the benefits of efficiency GAD and QMS Committees, of Women and PCW Circular of Makilala quake and human dynamics, National respectively. No. 2011-01. On the other MAKILALA, COTABATO remaining pupil inside her Labor Relations Commission NLRC’s new employees hand, they learned the goals – Last January 14, 2020 classroom. (NLRC) assigned its newly were briefed on the merits of of the government’s Gender Erlinda Ajero, of Barangay The ECC-REU XII team hired employees to attend QMS system which documents Development Program (GAD) an orientation on its Quality processes and responsibilities which aims to advocate, Rodero in this town, was explained to her the ECC’s Management System and for achieving quality policies guide, coordinate, monitor, visited by some government compensation program and Gender and Development and objectives. They were taught development, implementation people asking how she was the benefits she can avail (GAD) Program last January 20, how to coordinate and direct an and review gender development and how she was healing due to her work-related 2020, in its Quezon City office. organization’s activities to meet activities mandated for all from an injury she sustained injury. The orientation which is part client and thus improve service government agencies. when a big quake ripped “Kahit alam kong of the capacity building program efficiency. Every year, the NLRC through their town late last delikado sinalba ko pa rin for newly-hired and promoted The NLRC is ISO 9001:2015 Administrative Division year. ang mga bata. Salamat sa employees was attended by certified, the most recognized conducts trainings and Her visitors were ECC na handang tumulong nineteen new employees. quality management system in orientations on its QMS and from the Employees’ sa mga nasasaktan dahil GAD programs to educate Compensation Commission sa kanilang trabaho,” said newly-hired employees on – Regional Extension Unit Ajero. policies and laws supported XII (ECC-REU XII). They (I know it was dangerous, and implemented by the were members of the rapid but I had to save the children. commission. reaction team under the I thank the ECC who is ECC’s Quick Response ready to help workers who Team Program (QRP). They are injured in work-related were paying her a home visit mishaps.) after the recent earthquake “DOLE ensures safety BWSC that struck the province last in the workplace through October 2019. regular inspections and Ajero, a sixty one year old advocacy programs. But in marks teacher of Rodero Day Care the event of work-related Center, suffered an injury accidents, ECC can help 10th year when she acted as human them avail additional shield to protect her pupils benefits,” said DOLE 12 THE Bureau of Workers from her school’s crumbling Regional Director Sisinio with Special Concerns walls. She scrambled to Cano (BWSC) is the champion protect her pupils from the The ECC is an attached of workers in the informal magnitude 6.6 temblor even agency of DOLE that sector. embracing some to protect provides immediate help It has played this role them from falling debris. to workers who suffer from to the hilt for the past ten She incurred a severe workplace injuries. Benefits years. And last January 16, injury to her head when are provided to them or their 2020 the Bureau showcased she ran back to grab one families. –KDaga/CDGamboa photo by DOLE RO-XI its vital contributions to the labor department’s mandate NEW NLRC COMMISSIONER. Secretary Silvestre Bello III congratulates Atty. Nicolas B. of ensuring inclusive Nicolas after swearing him in as new NLRC Commissioner. employment opportunities when it marked its tenth year at the Swiss Blulane BLE taps DOLE-NCR Hotel in Manila. The affair POEA cited as enabler highlighted the Bureau’s accomplishments in the provision of quality services on work guidelines of freedom of information for workers in the vulnerable and the marginalized THE Department of Labor and the barangay registration THE Philippine Overseas offices under the executive sectors. Employment - National Capital of kasambahays and their Em-ployment Administration branch. In a statement, Director Region (DOLE-NCR) was mandatory benefits. (POEA) has been cited for being The law requires all Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla tapped by the Bureau of Local The last leg of the an enabler of free information in departments, agencies, bureaus, said that, “the Bureau Employment (BLE) to facilitate consultation was participated the country. and offices to disclose public has been given a stronger a series of consultations on the by regional implementers who The Presidential Communica- records, contracts, transactions, mandate as it continues enhancement of guidelines for provided technical inputs in tions Operations Office (PCOO), and any information requested to fulfill its crucial role in private employment agencies enhancing the guidelines. which gives out the freedom of by a member of the public, except championing the rights of (PEA). The comments and information awards each year, on matters affecting national workers to avail decent work, The consultations were suggestions of the two previous lauded the POEA as one of the security and other information promote gender equality, conducted in three batches sessions were also presented for top requested and performing that falls under the inventory of economic empowerment, from November 18 – 22, validation and discussion with agencies in the eFOI Portal in- exceptions. and in pushing for the rights 2019 and were participated the regional representatives. cluding its exceptional contribu- The POEA is one of the of children against abuse by kasambahays, industry The BLE polished the final tion to the country’s Freedom of government’s busiest frontline and exploitation.” providers and representatives output of the activities for Information Program. agencies. It handles overseas The celebration started from the regional offices. presentation and approval to Deputy Administrator Jocelyn Filipino workers, including with a press conference The sessions threshed out the TIPC prior to the issuance recruitment, manning, as well Sanchez received the FOI award attended by top DOLE local employment concerns and of a new department order. as foreign governments and from the PCOO in a ceremony officials. Discussions how they relate to Department The consultation is part of held last December 12, 2019. research involving the study of included Executive Order Order 141-14, which sets down a continuing engagement with The PCOO gives the award migrant workers. Nos. 92 and 70 on the local employment parameters. the private sector on policy each year to acknowledge Among its functions is to creation of the National The discussions included formulation with the goal of significant public and private document overseas Filipino Council Against Child concerns on privacy of improving implementation contributions that enable citizen’s workers through its various Labor (NCACL) and the access to public information. processing units and collect information, e-recruitment, the and delivery of services. It also institutionalization of handling and payment of fees was a venue to recognize the President Rodrigo Duterte relevant administrative statistics. the “whole of nation” and many other concerns that important roles played by the signed Executive Order No. 2, Aside from the FOI portal, approach for the National affect the local employment participants in nation-building also known as the Freedom of the POEA receives queries Task Force to End the Local industry. and economic activity. –Ryan Information (FOI) Act, on July through its Public Assistance and Communist Armed Conflict, Also tackled were issues Roberto Delos Reyes 23, 2016. The EO established the Information Center, 24/7 hotlines respectively. program covering all government 8722-1144 and 8722-1155. in the village level such as

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR

October-December 2017 January 2020 • THE REGIONS • 7 After Ursula’s wrath, a balm of Ilonggos create own “repat crew” for OFWs assistance for Occidental Mindoro ILOILO CITY -- The Department desk was created to attend to queries of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the emergency needs of Ilonggo THE Department of Labor and Employment (Calintaan). has actively supported the creation OFWs and their families in crisis- (DOLE) once more dons its good Samaritan’s During the program RD Gutib said that of a local OFW assistance and stricken countries such as those in hat this time to come to the aid of the people DOLE is always on hand to bring hope to repatriation initiative in Western the Middle East. of Mindoro which was recently ravaged by communities hit by calamities, such as the Visayas. Family members of distressed Typhoon Ursula that hit the province last people of SAMARICA. He expressed the DOLE Regional Office No. 6 OFWs in conflict-ravaged areas December 25, 2019. DOLE’s commitment to help the province rise (DOLE-6) has actively participated may seek immediate assistance DOLE is set to extend an emergency aid to its feet after the rage of Typhoon Ursula. in the creation of Task Force “Bulig from the assistance desk of “Bulig amounting to P20M for Occidental Mindoro in Congresswoman Ramirez-Sato lauded Ilonggo” an OFW assistance task Ilonggo” for the repatriation and force created by Iloilo Gov. Arthur determination of the whereabouts the wake of flooding and damages caused by the department’s immediate response to her R. Defensor, Jr. as the province’s of their relatives. the typhoon in the province. call for assistance in coping with the need way of attending to OFWs stricken DOLE-6 Regional Director Cyril The amount will be used as employment to help repair of government facilities and by strife or disasters, especially L. Ticao was designated task force assistance for 5,500 typhoon victims from the public infrastructures particularly the roads Filipino workers who hail from the vice chairman. He has assigned municipalities of San Jose, Magsaysay, Rizal and schools in areas heavily damaged by the region. DOLE personnel to man the “Bulig and Calintaan (SAMARICA) through the Tulong typhoon. Relative to this, a 24-7 inter- Ilonggo’s” assistance desk. Panghanapbuhay sa mga Disadvantaged/ The TUPAD program is DOLE’s way of agency information and assistance Displace Workers (TUPAD) Program . providing relief and emergency livelihood The aid was formalized during the assistance to victims of disasters through the convergence meeting last January 4, 2020 for the provision of post-disaster intervention. It DOLE Region 1 slaps TUPAD program which was attended by DOLE involves community works such as the clean up MIMAROPA Regional Director Albert E. Gutib, of public facilities, ground clearing, and repair Congresswoman Josephine Ramirez-Sato, of public structures such as school buildings safety violators with fines Mayor Romulo M. Festin (San Jose), Mayor and public offices through the hiring of local COMPANIES violating the on enforcing the law to the fullest Cesar Tria Jr., (Magsaysay), Mayor Ernesto labor that are paid through existing minimum Occupational Safety and Health extent possible, he said. Pablo, Jr. (Rizal) and Mayor Eric Labrador wage standards. –Gener L. Francisco (OSH) Law had increased at the Inspections have revealed the close of 2019, DOLE-Regional Office following common infractions: No. 1 (DOLE-RO1) recently bared. lack of safety officer and trained Regional Director Nathaniel first aider, missing safety signages Lacambra said twenty seven and barricades, disregard of companies violated the OSH Law mandatory OSH orientation for last year and the penalties imposed workers, dearth of first aid kits, on violators amounted to P2,435,000. missing TESDA certification for “Our announcement last year the operation of heavy equipment, on the first batch of penalized lack of OSH policies and reports employers comes with a stern including testing certificates for warning for those who continue to heavy equipment and fire fighting disregard the law,” RD Lacambra equipment; non-provision of safe said. drinking water and emergency DOLE-RO1 is willing to assist medicines; poor housekeeping and establishments in complying non-registration of establishment. – with OSH regulations, but at the Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez same time, the agency is intent Felicity smiles on photo by DOLE RO-4B “enterprising” N.V. workers

CLEAN-UP AFTER TYPHOON URSULA. Regional Director Albert Gutib is shown explaining DOLE’s TUPAD program during it’s recent roll-out TWENTY six skilled workers from of their acquired skills such as in Occidental Mindoro. The program provided emergency employment and helped in the clean-up after the province was hit by Typhoom Bonfal West, Bayombong, Nueva masonry, carpentry, plumbing, Ursula last December. To his left is Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato Vizcaya recently got their starter kit welding, tailoring, baking, hair and packages to help them enhance their nail care home servicing, street food livelihood ventures. vending, and a carinderia business. The starter kits, which amounts For its part, the LGU of to a total P633,529.00, will be used by Bayombong, as the accredited In Bogo, kids are saved the workers after undergoing skills co-partner, provided P135,000 to enhancement training from TESDA finance their training needs and and local Public Employment to equip the beneficiaries with the Service Office (PESO). capability to sustain their projects. thru succor for parents The Department of Labor and DOLE’s starter kit package Employment allocated P478,569 project aims to address local for the purchase of tools, and an underemployment issues and CEBU CITY -- Government’s starter kits or “NegoKarts” labor or from reverting to the additional seed capital to augment insufficiency of capital thereby fight against child labor broke (Negosyo sa Kariton) to worst forms of child labor,” RD the workers’ present business addressing poverty threshold levels new ground in Bogo City when beneficiaries. Siaton said. ventures that they had set up out in the region. the Department of Labor and DOLE-7 Regional Director “We’d like to commend Employment (DOLE) extended Salome O. Siaton announced the Cayang Multi-Purpose livelihood assistance to families that thirty-four parents of Cooperative that serves of former child laborers. profiled child laborers in Bogo as the DOLE’s accredited Cagayan PESOs get The DOLE released a total City would benefit from the co-partner or conduit in of P680,000 worth of livelihood Kabuhayan Para sa Magulang the implementation of the assistance to parents of former ng Batang Manggagawa beneficiaries’ projects. The computer units child laborers in Bogo. The (KASAMA). coop will assist not only in the TUGUEGARAO CITY – The and Baggao during the Cagayan amount will be used to provide Beneficiaries are given the implementation phase but also Department of Labor and PESO Managers’ 2019 Year-End livelihood opportunities for opportunity to venture into in monitoring and liquidation Employment Regional Office No. Performance Assessment and 2020 them such as raising livestock, cattle fattening, hog raising, of expenses,” she added. 2 (DOLE-RO2) recently handed Planning Exercises. baking, candle making, and general merchandising, setting Vivencio Lagahid, DOLE- computer equipment to seven The provision of IT equipment other livelihood ventures. up a small bakeshop, candle Cebu OIC Provincial Field Public Employment Service Office is part of DOLE’s assistance for the The businesses the making, welding, or setting up Office (CPFO) said that (PESO) units in Cagayan during the PESO Employment Information beneficiaries will be engaging a trisikad business. CAMCPO has come a long way province’s year-end employment System (PEIS) project which aims to in are small individual start- “The livelihood assistance from being a mere livelihood assessment. improve government’s grassroot’s up livelihood projects each one provided to beneficiaries is beneficiary of DOLE to a Labor and Employment Officer, employment program. amounting to twenty thousand a way of empowering them conduit of other livelihood Pio Bautista, who also heads the Regional Director Evelyn pesos from DOLE’s Integrated and making them eventually, beneficiaries of the department. Cagayan-Batanes Field Office Ramos, said the assistance is part of Livelihood and Emergency self-sufficient. The initiative is –LSenarlo-Taniza (DOLE CBFO), personally awarded DOLE’s partnership with LGUs in Employment Program hoped to prevent their children the IT equipment to the PESOs its mandate to improve employment (DILEEP) which provides from engaging with child of Tuguegarao City, Peñablanca, opportunities in the countryside. Lallo, Gattaran, Gonzaga, Aparri

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment • THE GOOD NEWS • DOLE lends hand to quake-parched water district Labor dep’t taps indigenous people to help rebuild Kidapawan water distrct KIDAPAWAN, COTABATO from members of the local – Showing that the spirit of indigenous community, bayanihan is alive and well cleared and cleaned MKWD’s in earthquake-hit Cotabato, supply areas and established the Department of Labor and new trails to Lapaan Dam Employment (DOLE) enlisted 1 and 2. They helped tribal workers to help restore restore the water supply to the water system in this city Barangays Perez and Buhay which was damaged by the in Kidapawan City as well as earthquake that struck the the supply to the municipality province last October 2019. of Makilala. These areas have DOLE Region 12 enlisted been declared by the Mines the department’s Tulong and Geosciences Bureau Panghanapbuhay sa Ating (MGB) and Philippine Institute Disadvantaged and Displaced of Volcanolgy and Seismology workers program (TUPAD) to (PHIVOLCS) as no build zones. photo by DOLE-X Misamis Oriental PFO draft 200 workers and lend a “Nalipay kami kay bisan TRIBAL CLEANING CREW. Members of a tribal cleaning crew, from DOLE’s TUPAD program, help clear a hillslide in Kidapawan, Cotabato hand to the Metro Kidapawan biktima pud kami sa linog, caused by the quake that hit the area last October 2019. Water District (MKWD) so nakatabang pud kami na that it could restore water mabalik ang tubig para sa tanan supply in the city and its nga residente,” said Roland, neighboring municipalities. an indigenous resident. The water district’s water The labor department pipes were decommissioned by allotted around 1.2 million the magnitude 6.6 quake and pesos to defray the 20-day the water concessionaire badly salary of the workers. The needed extra help so that its worker assistance include a one crews could restore complete year GSIS insurance coverage water service to its consumers. for each of the indigenous DOLE Region 12 Regional worker under the emergency Director Sisinio Cano said that employment program. to work on this emergency DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood provides livelihood assistance the exigency of the situation “We are thankful for our project. This only vindicates and Emergency Employment or emergency employment for was critical prompting him private partnership with that public-private partnership Program (DILEEP) which displaced, underemployed, to lend a hand. The TUPAD MKWD. It allowed us to choose really works,” RD Cano said. is a package of community- and unemployed workers. workers, which DOLE hired our identified beneficiaries TUPAD is a component of based assistance program that –MP Latoja, ANB Grafilo

Project Angel Tree : Scourge of millions of Pinoy children gets a push back from DOLE and some good souls in Surigao del Sur WHAT’S the number one killer of initiative and private benevolence. initiating the gift- giving activity. She visited the municipality of Hinatuan, innocence and dreams of millions of Last December 2019, DOLE once more stressed the importance of pursuing further south from Tandag. Also on hand Filipino Children? rolled out the program in Tandag City education for the children. The vice were forty identified child laborers from An empty stomach. and launched it in the municipality of mayor then offered scholarships for around the area and their parents. The Statistics show that around 2.1 Hinatuan. high school and college students who eager faces of the children were reflected million children are engaged in child Like a long empty cup being filled with wished to enroll in Saint Theresa in the happy anticipation of their parents labor in the Philippines. This means water former child laborers in Tandag City College. She asked DOLE SDSPO many of which said they were happy that that millions of Filipino children wore the faces of hope and happiness, last head Genebelle Bal to process the list the spirit of Christmas had finally come to will be deprived of their dreams and November 29, 2019, inside the Tandag of children who wanted to avail of the touch their children. future if they don’t get effective help City gymnasium which was hosting a scholarship. The children were shy at first; so or intervention. short program for DOLE’s Project Angel SP Member Pimentel also to break the ice community facilitator This children are the Tree. underscored the importance of Angeline Salem, together with program personification of the nation’s dreams A heavy downpour failed to dampen weaning children away from child enumerators, started a few games which and they need a helping hand so that the spirits of the 40 “Batang Malaya,” or labor through the generousness of removed the children’s tentativeness. Soon they can carve their own fate and former child laborers, as they streamed others and the security of education. they were bundles of joy as they received have a better future from the ones into the gymnasium accompanied by Hon. Dennis Tan, owner of the their Christmas gifts and the promise of their parents have had. parents or guardians. local Jollibee franchise, arrived bearing education from their Hinatuan benefactors. With intervention child laborers Eagerly awaiting them were Vice pack meals and a Jollibee mascot. One The Hinatuan program was graced by can start anew and break free from Mayor Eleonor Momo, Sangguniang of the children, who does laundry PESO Manager James Soria, Municipal the cycle of poverty and cut the Panlungsod member John Paul Pimentel, for neighbors in exchange for food Administrator Melly Vios, Municipal rope that pulls Filipino children into Provincial PESO manager Mark Quico, and pittance, tearfully expressed how Health Officer Dr. Emily Viola, Municipal the dark maw of child labor. This is and CLEP Regional Program Manager thankful she was for being chosen as a Budget Officer Marilou Morio, Social what the Department of Labor and Maria Chelo R. Lucero. Also present were recepient of Project Angel Tree. Welfare Officer Sunrise Tumanda, and Employment (DOLE) has set out to beneficent individuals representing local A single-parent of 10 kids cried Sanggunian Member Alicia Cañedo, who do in various provinces, especially businesses such as CTP CMC, Eduhome tears of joy when her child was represented the town vice mayor. those with a high incidence of child Enterprises, Gaisano Capital, and the local chosen as a recepient of the education During the program the municipal labor. Jollibee branch. They were the benefactors program. She said that no matter how officials promised to host another Project Project Angel Tree is a component and sponsors of the children’s freedom difficult it was to be a single parent Angel Tree event in this year’s forthcoming of the labor department’s Child Labor from bondage from the clutches of child and sole provider of her large brood, yuletide season. They said that they will and Elimination Program (CLEP), labor. she always hoped that her children allot a budget for it so that more children a social amelioration project for In the program, Vice Mayor Momo would have proper education. will be emancipated from the clutches of children which combines government commended DOLE Surigao del Sur for Last December 19, 2019 the program child labor.