Employment outlook better ahead P4

BPOs BECKON AT JOBLESS OVERSEAS WORKERS Amid labor slump, industry set photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS SEND OFF. Around 300 OFWs who tested negative for COVID-19 are sent home to their respective provinces by government officials led by DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Senator Richard Gordon at the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange to hire thousands of workers (PITX). The swift return of the overseas displaced workers to their families is part of the Duterte Administration’s vow to speed P2 up the repatriation of OFWs to their homes provinces within five days upon their arrival. Also present in the send off was OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac. NEW SYSTEM TO CHECK OFW SNAFUS 'LET'S PAY THEM BACK' Bello calls for prudence in use of OWWA funds THE labor department has said. activated a tracking system According to him the and gov't generosity in attending to OFWs' needs for overseas workers to repatriation tracker will help streamline the deluge make the government more LABOR Secretary Silvestre Bello III rejected billion fund will be reduced to around P10 of workers returning to the responsive and prepared for calls for the use of the trust fund being billion by the end of this year, and that it country due to the pandemic. the arrival of OFWs. managed by the Overseas Workers Welfare could plunge below a billion pesos by the end Called the OFW Assistance “Through this system, Administration (OWWA) to provide for the of 2021 should OFWs continue to be displaced Information System (OASIS), the government can track emergency needs of overseas Filipino workers and repatriated. the locator will facilitate the whereabouts of our that have been displaced by the pandemic. The OWWA has so far spent more than an orderly and smooth returning OFWs and provide “Our OFWs have been sending back more P800 million for repatriation, accommodation, repatriation and assistance for them prompt assistance and than $30 billion a year. Malaki ang naitutulong and cash assistance to COVID-19 affected the huge number of returning relief upon their return to the nila sa ekonomiya natin. Kaya naman, for returning OFWs, Cacdac said. OFWs. country,” Bello said. once, pay back naman tayo. ‘Wag nating Bello said OWWA funds should just be “An oasis symbolizes hope Developed by seasoned galawin yung pera nila,” Bello said. spent more for its members’ needs, such as in a desert of trials. The system crisis management person- The OWWA has asked congress for a P5 livelihood or if they plan to put up businesses that we created aims to give nel from DOLE, the Overseas billion supplemental budget to prolong its and for their children’s education. our OFWs a ray of hope by Workers Welfare Administra- fund’s sustainability as it warned of a “looming “Dapat gobyerno ang magbigay ng pera ensuring that we provide them tion (OWWA) and the Philip- bankruptcy” should it continue to spend for para matiyak natin na lahat ng kailangan efficient and timely assistance pine Overseas Employment the food, accommodation and transportation ng ating mga OFW ay matugunan natin. to ease their anxieties when Administration (POEA), the of repatriated workers beyond 2021. Bakit naman, for the first time na hihingi sila returning home in the midst aim of OASIS is to extend fast At a Senate hearing, OWWA chief Hans ng tulong, nangangailangan sila ng tulong, of this pandemic,” Labor and appropriate government Leo Cacdac said that the agency’s P18.79 P3 Secretary Silvestre Bello III P2

photo by POLO Bahrain photo by NLRC photo by DOLE RO-2 photo by DOLE RO-7 OVERSEAS AGENCIES THE REGIONS GOOD NEWS

King of Bahrain Dismissed workers Kiosks turned into From failed waitress pardons 16 Pinoy urged to file 'static' frontliners to promising lawyer convicts P5 complaints online P6 P7 P8 2 June 2020 BPOs beckon at jobless overseas workers

THE labor department sees a in order to fill up a large demand in resurgence of employment in the industry. the business process outsourcing IBPAP, which has 300 member (BPO) industry in the country in companies, counts some of the the months ahead even under the biggest industry players in the current pandemic. country. It is the main association Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello of the local BPO industry and III said that the current pandemic its members cumulatively and the resulting global labor employs over 1.3 million Filipino slump will force western countries employees. “to offshore” more jobs in the “In spite of the pandemic, the industry. BPO industry has continued to hire He said that big BPO players Filipino workers,” Untal told the are already posting thousands labor chief during the consultation. of additional seats to fill up The meeting was prompted by their manpower requirements in a recent online survey of a BPO anticipation of this resurgence and employees’ group which reported that a good size of this demand will that four out of 10 BPO workers are potentially go to the either in floating or ‘no-work-no- particularly Clark, Cebu and Metro pay’ status during the lockdown. Manila. Untal said his group is taking Bello made the observation the initiative to intervene and following consultations with discuss the issues raised by the industry leaders who assured workers with the country heads of him that the BPO industry will concerned BPO companies. photo by IBPAP continue to provide employment DOLE, which has issued opportunities for amid several guidelines for employers VIBRANT INDUSTRY. Applicants troop to a job fair recently hosted by the BPO industry. The industry encompasses numerous fields such as contact the pandemic. to protect jobs and prevent center, game development, software outsourcing, health information system, financial and HR shared services, among others. Returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by job cuts caused by the global economic slowdown can be trained to become potential workers for outsourcing “They told us that some layoffs and retrenchments, is also companies. big companies have already appealing to the employees, who given job notices for their labor are still on a leave of absence, to This was the result of initial industry, especially in facilitating will be conducted by IBPAP. requirements, one of which needs return to work to help the industry collaboration between the labor “skills matching” between the DOLE intends to launch virtual at least 4,000 seats to be filled up continuously provide services in department and IBPAP to tackle various BPO companies and the job caravans nationwide to widen before September,” Bello said. these difficult times. the issue of how to provide jobs for jobseekers. the reach and breadth of the job Bello’s positive assessment was As this developed, employment returning OFWs and at the same From August to November, search for qualified OFWs. confirmed by Rey Untal, president opportunities in the BPO industry time help fill up the industry’s DOLE will provide the database National Reintegration and chief executive officer of the await overseas Filipino workers demand for workers. of returning OFWs interested, Center for OFWs (NRCO) OIC- IT Business Process Association of which have been displaced by The development bodes well or qualified for call-center jobs Director Roel Martin said that the the Philippines (IBPAP). the pandemic, especially those for OFWs that have been left while the companies will handle partnership between DOLE and the Untal said that BPO companies with backgrounds in information jobless by the pandemic. DOLE career marketing activities, initial IBPAP will help the Reintegration are continuing to hire BPO workers technology and healthcare. will provide full support to the BPO screening, and final job matching continued on page P3

New system to check OFW snafus . . . from P1 assistance for workers whose will facilitate the institution of fill out the provided form by Dispatch in local work either got suspended and an organized arrival system providing appropriate data and those who lost their jobs abroad. at airports and ports, and the information. The system, run by the DOLE application of an efficient swab They should check the box Command Center, also serves testing, rapid pick up and to certify they have read the send-offs vowed as a reliable database for OFWs transport to their respective form properly, understood its THE labor department has campaign to help all overseas displaced by the pandemic to quarantine hotels or to their contents and is allowing consent vowed dispatch in bringing workers that have been displaced help the government determine homes, etc. in the processing of their data home repatriated overseas abroad by the pandemic and for and immediately provide the The DOLE advises all under the Data Privacy Act of workers following their arrival its relentless effort to contain the kind of support they need inbound OFWs to register 2012. Lastly, click the ‘submit’ in the country to their respective pandemic. once they land at the country’s online through www.oasis. button. home provinces. The senator said he has high airports. owwa.gov.ph. so that they A link will be sent to their At the send-off program for respect for public executives This will include the can be part of the tracking emails to notify that they have some 200 migrant workers at the with so much concern for OFWs. identification and classification system. Once online, they only successfully registered in the Paranaque Integrated Exchange "I know Secretary Bebot. He of the arriving OFWs which have to Click “Register” and OASIS. (PITX), Labor Secretary Silvestre has a big heart for our migrant Bello III said the government will workers," Gordon said. make sure the OFWs reach their The returning workers at the places of origin within three to PITX were part of the 12,000 five days upon their arrival in the migrant workers whose return country. home have been quickened by In compliance with President the labor department’s OASIS Duterte's order to facilitate the tracking system which allows a swift return of our displaced faster registration, testing and workers from abroad to their transport of the repatriated families, we will now send workers. home our kababayans in the Bello also said that the least number of days after they department’s new tracking have arrived at our international system has allowed government airports and our ports, Bello to send off an average of 200 to said during the event which 300 OFWs a day. was attended by Sen. Richard A total of 53,000 repatriated 'Dick' Gordon of the Philippine OFWs have already been Red Cross and Interior Secretary reunited with their families, as of Eduardo Ano. June 17. The Philippine Red Cross Bello also stressed that photo by DOLE Command Center is in charge of the swab testing DOLE will further finetune program for OFWs who lost their and upgrade its services in the jobs because of the pandemic. coming days as further OFWs are OASIS PROCESS FLOW. By registering in OASIS, OFWs are in effect, providing necessary information to DOLE, POLO, OWWA, and POEA that Gordon lauded the labor expected to return home due to will enable them to respond to their concerns and provide appropriate services in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as repatriation, testing, department for its untiring the continuing global pandemic. quarantine and transportation.

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR June 2020 3

During congressional hearing on migrant workers: Bello cites foreign restrictions, not just funding, for snags in return of overseas workers

THROWING more money at Bello also revealed that the problem won’t necessarily foreign governments have solve it. other restrictions other than This was the position of the their strict health protocols. labor department in a hybrid He said this include strict congressional hearing called by migrant worker laws; such as Representative Mike Defensor exit visa clauses as well as legal to tackle the repatriation impediments tied to loans and issue currently facing many legal cases. pandemic-stricken OFWs. “It really gets frustrating Labor Secretary Silvestre when foreign employers Bello III said that although refuse to give the exit visas of funding is needed to solve the our OFWs to stop them from concerns of our OFWs, it does returning to the Philippines. not necessarily assure their There are many employers like quick repatriation. that abroad,” he said. “In repatriating our OFWs, “Repatriation of our OFWs we also have to consider also becomes difficult to achieve the lockdowns imposed by when they still have loans to photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS countries where they are settle and complaints to face,” working,” Bello said. Bello added. REPATRIATION OF OFWS’ REMAINS HAILED. The proposal of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (center above) to repatriate the remains of OFWs from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was hailed by Congressional leaders led by Speaker Allan Peter Cayetano (left below) during He said the ‘lock-in’ and Bello joined other labor the virtual briefing on the whole-of-government’s approach to the global pandemic at the House of Representatives, where majority of ‘lock-out’ protocols in countries officials in the six-hour lawmakers participated via Zoom application. that also have infections are hearing to clarify issues on major stumbling blocks in the the challenges experienced and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis will surely boost the whole- problem of our beloved government’s desire to bring by OFWs affected by the Ray Villafuerte to provide more of-government approach OFWs, Bello said, is still the home all our kababayans that pandemic. funding to boost government’s in solving the repatriation tight coordinated efforts of have been displaced by the Expounding on the repatiation program and bring problem but it won’t necessarily all concerned government pandemic in other countries. proposal of Deputy Speaker home all OFWs, Bello said that provide a quick solution” agencies and private sector. “the provision of more funding The best solution to the

25k stranded OFWs sent home Return of Pinoys THE more than 25,000 OFWs that were released seafarers are still awaiting their overseas Filipino workers from the various quarantine disembarkation clearances and that were stranded in various facilities,” Labor Secretary manning purposes in some of stricken in Saudi set government quarantine faci- Silvestre Bello III said. the cruise ships. lities have been transported to Of said figure, 9,595 were The DOLE provided not THE labor department has the Saudi government on the their respective hometowns, transported by air; 7,900 by only transportation to the stepped up preparations transport of the remains. the labor department reports. land, and 385 by sea, while stranded workers, as well for the repatriation of the The labor department’s The labor department 6,574 were fetched by their as to other OFWs, but their remains of 301 overseas initial preparations laid accomplished the send offs relatives. accommodation and food Filipino workers who passed down the hiring of two exactly a week after President The send offs included through the assistance of the away in the Kingdom of chartered planes, one that ordered the around 8,000 seafarers from the Overseas Workers Welfare Saudi Arabia from various will bear the COVID victims immediate return of all cleared 26 international cruise ships Administration (OWWA), causes. and the other carrying the OFWs to their home provinces. that have anchored in Manila various Philippine recruitment Labor Secretary Silvestre non-Covid cases. The bodies, “As of May 31, government’s Bay to allow the disembarkation agencies (PRAs) and local Bello III assured families of which will be transported ‘Hatid Probinsiya’ program of their Filipino crew. manning agencies (LMAs) and the unfortunate OFWs that from various points in the have transported back to their Port authorities have said other government agencies . the bodies will be flown home kingdom will converge in home provinces a total of 25,002 that around 200 of these early next month after he was Riyadh and Jeddah prior to able to secure approval from their flight to the country. the Inter Agency Task Force The preparations likewise (IATF) for the repatriation entails the notification of BPOs beckon at jobless overseas workers . . . from P2 of the deceased overseas the families of the deceased Center in linking OFW returnees, OFWs can also be referred to the contact center; animation and workers. upon the arrival of the and even their families, with the Technical Education and Skills game development; global Bello said part the repa- remains of their loved ones new job opportunities. Development Authority (TESDA) shared services; financial, IT, triation was contingent on and alerting the respective The center’s partners in the for skills retooling and upgrading. and HR shared services; software the health guidelines set by local government units to OFW reintegration program are: IBPAP Executive Director and IT outsourcing; and health the IATF and the the Depart- help facilitate the domestic SITEL; the Department of Public for Talent Development Frankie information management system. ment of Health (DOH) on the transport of their dead Works and Highways and DMCI Antolin said that despite the He added that OFW returnees handling, reception and do- constituents. for Build Build Build projects; pandemic there are still numerous have skill sets that are useful mestic transport of overseas Upon their arrival, the Mega Sardines; and Motolite. IT-BPM job vacancies because in performing jobs in the BPO Filipinos that had perished transfer of the bodies of Martin also said that returning it encompasses the fields of industry. from COVID-19. COVID victims will be Of the 301 deceased facilitated by the Department workers, 152 had reportedly of National Defense directly perished from COVID-19, to the crematoriums either and in the best of times,”he while 149 died of other chosen by their families or 'Let's pay them back' . . . from P1 added. causes. He said the three their LGUs. bakit naman kailangan nating additional budget to help our Bello said that around country’s three Philippine On the other hand, galawin yung pondo nila? ‘Wag modern day heroes,” he said. 63,000 OFWs have already been Overseas Labor Offices fetching for the workers who natin gamitin ang pera na ‘yan “Huwag nating hayaan brought home, while about (POLOs) in the kingdom had died from other causes could sa panahong ito,” the labor chief na maramdaman ng OFW 90,000 are still stranded in other to strictly abide not only with be done by their respective stressed. na tinitipid sila sa kabila ng countries, awaiting repatriation our health protocols but also families. “Government has to take napakalaki nilang naitulong sa and foreign clearances. with the strict guidelines of extra steps in order to assure ekonomiya natin in the good

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 4 June 2020 RD Joel is spitfire in handing aid to jobless workers NEXT to health frontliners, on all local requests for Due to the volume of the local executives, and workers, DOLE COVID-19 Adjustment request, RD Joel, as he is fondly it can be said that the various Measures Program (CAMP). called by employees and staff, government offices in the “This was what I prioritized, said that they worked in shifts regions provide the next the applications and processing and extended their normal phalanx of defense against of all documents so that the working hours beyond the the perils of COVID-19. This financial assistance could standard eight-hour shift. “Our certainly has been the case in immediately be distributed to people worked on morning the labor department’s various affected and qualified workers and evening shifts, some regional units such as DOLE in the region,” RD Gonzales never went home and stayed Region 5. At the start of the recently revealed to Philippine in the office to accomplish crisis, DOLE Regional Offices Labor. what they had to accomplish. spent time coordinating “At the outset of the They slept in the office so that with LGUs about the vast outbreak, the immediate they could help our distressed challenges at the local level thought on my mind were the kababayans while at the same and how the labor department physical, mental and economic time minimizing the risk of could contribute in helping health of the Bicolano workers virus exposure”, he said. contain the disease and and the welfare of their He asked those who could continue to do so to the best cation of the employees of mitigate its adverse economic families,” he said. work at home to attend to of the department’s ability to DOLE-5 is the reason why it impact on local businesses and Director Gonzales quickly the DOLE Bicol Hotlines and extend aid to workers and our has been much easier for DOLE communities. called for an assessment DOLE Bicol Facebook Page. capacity as the assisting arm of to achieve its goal of delivering In the Bicol region, DOLE meeting with DOLE-5’s Team “What gave us the government,” he said. the needed assistance to thou- Regional Director Joel CAMP to discuss how they can strength in this critical time He said that he recognizes sands of workers who have Gonzales immediately issued a efficiently manage and evaluate is the thought that we were each and everyone’s valuable been displaced and affected, directive to all labor employees the bulk of applications that able to extend assistance to contribution in DOLE-5. by the pandemic,” he added. in the region to quickly act they were receiving daily. those in need. And we will “The unwavering dedi- An assessment we will recover BEFORE the COVID pandemic, the Philippine for job hunting of our fresh graduates, has put employment situation was vibrant, expanding at 4.0 the labor force in a standstill as two-thirds of the percent or 1.6 million net employment generated. economy is shut down. When the global pandemic hit, we feared that As the economy opens gradually, we are hopeful employment will be impacted badly. We expected that the labor market will also recover. these results given that health crisis has crippled The Department is committed to preserve and Executive Editor | RAUL M. FRANCIA most of our economic activities. protect employment as we await the approval Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO With the imposition of community quarantine, and implementation of the whole-of-government hundreds of thousands of establishments resorted to Recovery Plan in the remainder of the Duterte Issue Editor | CORAZON C. GONZALES temporary closures or flexible work arrangements Administration. Central Desk | N.L. PETILLA | RHEA S. CARLOS | MARIO F. FETALINO JR as evidenced by millions of workers affected both Rest assured that we will continue to provide in the formal, informal and overseas sectors. employment facilitation services, in different Senior Writers | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS | ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN The 17.7 percent unemployment rate which platforms - online, digital, face-to-face with the PETER PAUL R. ANG translates to 7.3 million unemployed is highest, assistance of our Public Employment Service Contributing Writers | HERSHEY AQUINO, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR surpassing the 10.3% unemployment rate in the Offices (PESOs). We are also thankful to the ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | REGINALD ESTIOCO, RO2 1998 recession in the Philippines. private sector for continuously engaging with JELYN ABELLA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A We also recognize the huge drop in the labor us in extending job opportunities to displaced EMMANUEL ANTONIO PORTUGAL, RO4-B | JOHANA VI GASGA, RO5 force participation rate at 55.6%, the lowest in Filipino workers. NIEZEL ANEN SABRIDO, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 the history of the Philippine Labor Market. The We encourage more companies to help connect NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO, RO8 | KAREN CLAIRE GRAFIA, RO9 lockdown during the community quarantine from Filipino jobseekers with the much-needed decent MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | EDUARDO MONREAL, RO11 March to May, which is supposed to be the period jobs for the country and its economy to recover. CHRISTOPHER GAMBOA, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEMATA, CARAGA Creative Artist | VERONICA C. CASIL

Photographers | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ | REGIE D. MASON Employment outlook better ahead Circulation Manager | GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | RANDY F. FERNANDEZ THE government remains recover. al Solutions, and EMS Group of optimistic with the country’s The department made this companies all have requested The PHILIPPINE LABOR is the official publication of the Department of Labor and Employment employment situation as assessment as a number of assistance for them to connect with editorial office at the the pandemic continues to companies reached out to DOLE with qualified OFWs seeking Information and Publication Service wreak havoc on labor markets to seek assistance in connecting employment locally. 5th Floor, DOLE Building, General Luna Wing, Manila. throughout the world. their businesses with job Asia Brewery, hopes to fill The labor department has seekers, especially for OFWs up 71 vacancies varying from said that the country’s labor who have been displaced and helper, driver, salesman, and market will recover as soon as repatriated by the pandemic. sales supervisor, for their offices things get back to normal. Food and beverage Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. across the country and their Sta. Mail or fax them in, or call us The return is expected to companies also have been Rosa plant in Laguna at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, be at a slower pace since the working overtime to maintain Optum Global Solutions 623, 625, 626, 627. Our fax number is 527-3446. economy is gradually opening their shelves stocked to keep up on the other hand hopes to fill You may also visit our website: up as government continues with the sudden dip in food and up job openings for nurses, www.dole.gov.ph; or e-mail us at [email protected]. to control the spread of the beverage supplies caused by clinical operations specialists, COVID-19 virus throughout the increased online demand. and customer service voice archipelago. According to DOLE OIC- specialists. Technopark in Batangas and their manpower requirements As the economy gradually Assistant Secretary for Employ- For its part, EMS Group said Laguna Technopark in Binan. and for extending opportunities opens, the Labor Department ment and General Administra- it is in need of 4,000 assembly Tutay expressed gratitude to to displaced Filipino workers expressed optimism that the tion Dominique Rubia-Tutay, workers for their plants in Lima companies for their willingness this uncertain time. –with report Philippine Labor Market will Asia Brewery, Inc., Optum Glob- to engage DOLE in filling up from BLE, Connie Gonzales

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR June 2020 • OVERSEAS • 5 New batch of repats from North Africa A FRESH batch of 277 for Migration (IOM), distressed overseas Filipino Samsung C&T Algeria, HEC- workers from North Africa JLL and Brix Companies arrived on June 22. arranged the repatriation of The new batch of the workers. repatriates included OFW The same flight also dependents from Libya, carried the human remains Tunisia, and Algeria. They of OFWs, Herminia Sablay were flown in through a Estrada and Glenna Deza chartered Philippine Airlines who both died of cardiac flight. arrest in Libya. The arriving workers Bello expressed the readi- were both retrenched or ness of the government to as- temporarily displaced sist the displaced workers. due to the slowdown in This developed as the businesses caused by the labor chief said DOLE is pandemic. Many of them requesting a fresh P1 billion were employed with the oil additional funds for its and medical industries. AKAP program to be able to In his report to Labor assist more OFWs affected by

photo by POLO Riyadh Secretary Silvestre Bello III, the global crisis. Labor Attache Adam Musa More than 500,000 on-site said the special flight from and repatriated OFWs are AID FOR DISTRESSED RIYADH OFWs. Distressed OFWs in Riyadh were provided with cash assistance and food packs in close coordination with the Filipino Community in Saudi Arabia to ensure that even those hundreds of kilometers away from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office Libya flew from Algiers seeking DOLE’s one-time (POLO) would get aid. and Tunis en route to the financial aid amounting to Philippines. $200 or P10,000. Musa said the Philippine A budget of P2.5 billion Overseas Labor Office had been released under the POLO-Riyadh sets record (POLO), in coordination with AKAP program. Close to the Philippine Embassy, the 200,000 OFWs had benefitted straight on scavenging OFWs International Organization so far under the program. PHILIPPINE Labor Attaché He added that the POLO that have not yet completed their Nasser Mustafa has refuted team were also preparing for the contracts; and that on the other COVID-hit POLO suspends work allegations that Philippine distribution of DOLE’s financial hand, Team Time Company had THE Philippine Overseas Labor 'distant' operations would be Overseas Labor Office in Riyadh assistance program when the agreed to provide plane fares Office (POLO) in Riyadh, KSA done on a 24/7 basis. (POLO-Riyadh) had been slow POLO office was forced to to those who had finished their temporarily suspended its “Our reason for temporarily in coming to the aid of a group “temporarily shut down” when contracts. operations last June 14, when suspending our physical of Filipino overseas that were half of its employees (16 out “Actual return trips, however, six of its staff tested positive for operations was to prevent the recently portrayed in the media of 37) tested positive for the will depend on the availability COVID-19. further spread of the virus as “scavenging” for food in the COVID-19 virus. of flights to the Philippines and Labor Attaché Nasser among POLO staffers and the streets of Riyadh. However, in POLO-Riyadh’s the health protocols imposed Mustafa has instructed all OFWs whom we assist,” Mustafa According to Mustafa, most recent “food runs” on May by both Riyadh and the COVID POLO officers and staff to work said. POLO-Riyadh had quickly 22, to provide food packs to the Task Force,” he said. remotely so that POLO Riyadh Mustafa said that he had attended to the complaint filed affected workers, the POLO Much as the labor could continue responding ordered the speedy testing of by the Filipino workers against had urged those who have not department wants to extend to requests for assistance and all 37 POLO staffers when the their employers Team Time yet applied for DOLE’s AKAP timely assistance to the affected consulting with Filipinos initial two of the six that tested Company and Aero Allied program to already do so that workers, POLO-Riyadh, which working in the area, especially positive showed signs of being Services for persisting salary their application could be caters to the northern region those distressed by the current infected. delays and the lack of food and prioritized. of Riyadh, is replete with pandemic. He said that their medicine assistance. Mustafa also revealed that military checkpoints and travel He said that POLO-Riyadh following consultations with is restricted by curfew plus the had conducted several food pack the affected workers, he had restrictions imposed by the distributions runs to the affected compelled the two companies pandemic, Mustafa explained. OFWs in Qatar get workers, in coordination with to repatriate the workers due to We may be hampered by the local Filipino community, so their continued inability to pay these restrictions but we won’t that all Filipinos needing help in their workers and extend food let them deter our mission to P22 million benefits the area could be reached by the and medical assistance to them. provide assistance and help to food aid, even those hundreds He said that Aero Allied all OFWs in our area, Mustafa of kilometers away from the Services agreed to shoulder stressed. –Connie Gonzales THE labor department said it was able to provide assistance POLO headquarters. plane fares for Filipino workers for 59 overseas Filipino workers in Qatar to secure unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits. The Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Doha worked closely with the Qatar Ministry of Administrative Development Labor and Social Affairs for the payment of the King grants clemency benefits after the workers were terminated late last yearby their employer. “We are grateful for the assistance given by the Qatar government that compelled their previous employer to give to16 Pinoys in Bahrain the affected OFWs all the salaries and benefits due them,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. SIXTEEN convicted Filipino of this year's Eid Al-Fitr. “is a testimony of the strong ties, He said that the 59 workers, employed by Leighton overseas workers are now "This act of humanity by His shared values and friendship Contracting Company, were terminated from work in turning a lucky page in their Majesty King Hamad Bin lsa between the governments of the December 2019 on redundancy issues. Leighton, however, lives when they were among 154 Al Khalifa provides renewed Philippines and Bahrain.” failed to provide salaries and separation benefits, prompting inmates who were given royal hope and an opportunity for our The pardoned Filipino the workers to file a complaint with the POLO in Qatar. clemency by His Majesty King countrymen and women to build workers were initially The workers were employed as site engineers, site Hamad bin lsa Al Khalifa of the new lives," the President said in convicted of various crimes supervisors, foreman, plumbers, riggers and carpenters. They Kingdom of Bahrain last May 2. his letter of gratitude to the King ranging from drug peddling, had been employed by Leighton for two to five years prior to The royal pardon was hailed of Bahrain. murder, homicide, prostitution, their termination. by President Rodrigo Duterte Labor Secretary Silvestre embezzlement, theft, human Leighton is currently arranging the repatriation of the 59 as an extraordinary act of royal Bello III also praised the royal trafficking, and involvement in affected workers to the country. benevolence made in celebration decree saying that the pardon fights.

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 6 • AGENCIES • June 2020 Dep't stresses new normal in latest advisory THE current pandemic has not only and Department of Public Works and proven deadly to people’s lives but is Highways (DPWH). fatal to livelihood and businesses. It has Employers and employees are caused permanent and temporary closures enjoined to explore suitable alternative of establishments leading to widespread work schemes (AWS) taking into account termination of employment for thousands the specific peculiarities of each business of workers in the country. As the world requirements. Examples of which are transitions into the new normal, the reduction of normal work hours per day government is allowing the resumption of or workdays per week and alternately additional businesses once the lockdown providing workers with work within the eases up. workweek or within the month, as well To guide employers and workers as as the adoption of telecommuting work they transition to the new realities of work arrangement or work-from-home scheme, and business, the labor department issued pursuant to DOLE Department Order No. Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2020 on 202, Series of 2019, as its AWS in order to May 16. minimize people movement and exposure. The labor advisory applies to all Under LA 17-20, employers and private sector employers and employees, employees are likewise given the option regardless of employment status. It to agree voluntarily and in writing, the photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS underscores the importance of practicing adjustment of employees’ wage and wage- the minimum health standards laid down related benefits provided that this shall DONATION FOR DOLE FRONTLINERS. Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Director and concurrent OIC-Assistant by government, such as those issued by the not exceed six months and not less than Secretary for Employment and General Administration Dominique Rubia-Tutay (extreme left) receives donation of beverages and disinfectants from Christian Javines (extreme right) and Ingrid Serosa (2nd from right) of Asia DOLE, Department of Trade and Industry the General Labor Standards mandated by Brewery, Inc. (ABI). The donation is an expression of gratitude and appreciation of ABI to the efforts of DOLE’s (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), law. employment facilitation program for private companies.

POEA adds contract terms BWC to launch online for EU-bound truck drivers THE Philippine Overseas employer set forth in the main establishment reporting system Employment Administration contract, such as in securing (POEA) has set additional the FTD’s accident insurance THE Bureau of Working risks for its clients and the The DOLE Establishment requirements for foreign coverage and comprehensive Conditions (BWC) has always DOLE workforce. Report System was employers, through their vehicle insurance for the entire prioritized the safety and In a world where physical conceptualized to assist licensed recruitment agencies on duration of the contract. health of its stakeholders in contact is frowned upon, BWC employers and businesses the deployment of Filipino truck The employer is also obligated all of its undertakings. It takes is paving the way for person- in the regular submission drivers (FTDs) in Europe. to secure the driver’s license cognizance of the difficulty of less government transactions. of reports either to DOLE Memorandum Circular No. of the employee as well as to travelling and its risks. Thus, The BWC, will launch regional, provincial, and field 14, series of 2020, compels the provide continuous allowances it wishes to minimize physical its online establishment offices. The system will also principal, or employer of the from the date of the driver’s contact and possible health reporting system. minimize exposure of DOLE’s FTDs, to submit a verified or departure from the Philippines, labor frontliners. authenticated Addendum to the while securing the license. The system was made Employment Contract (ANNEX Moreover, provisions on possible through the collective of http://www.poea.gov.ph/ the paid work time of the FTDs effort and collaboration of the memorandumcirculars/2020/ such as the time spent driving, information and technology MC-14-2020.pdf) to the land- performing work-related duties, personnel of the BWC based center through their breaks and rest periods, as well and DOLE-NCR under the Philippine private recruitment as non-driving duties essential guidance of Undersecretary agencies in their requests for to the upkeep of the vehicle or Ana Dione and OIC-Assistant accreditation. operations of the establishment, Secretary Ma. Teresita The addendum includes is also included in the addendum. Cucueco. additional obligations of the “As the country transitions to a new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we continue to find ways to provide our clients with NLRC institutionalizes services while protecting their health, safety and well- virtual legal assistance being,“ Cucueco said. The online reporting DISMISSED or terminated An aggrieved worker, system was developed so workers can now file requests union, or group of workers, that companies can comply for legal assistance, or Requests (or maybe an employer) just with the provisions of the for Assistance (RFAs) online has to visit the NLRC website, Labor Code and other laws through the National Labor nlrc.dole.gov.ph and fill out and standards without living Relations Commission’s necessary information such as the comfort of their homes (NLRC) SEnA e-Request for employment type, requesting or establishments, said Usec. Assistance. party’s basic information, Dione On May 15, the NLRC re- respondent’s basic information, The BWC advises com- launched its E-services to and grievance details to include graphics by BWC panies and establishments act on cases that have been money claims, regularization/ to keep track of the system’s development by regularly piling up during the enhanced endo, termination, unfair labor EASY ONLINE REPORTING. The DOLE Establishment Report Service System was community quarantine (ECQ). practice, suspension, damages, conceived to allow DOLE stakeholders to comply with documentary requirements checking the websites of their The NLRC said workers temporary lay-off, and other mandated under the Labor Code and other relevant laws and standards in the confines DOLE regional offices. who had been fired from their issues of employment. of their homes or workplaces. jobs during the pandemic can All filed RFAs will be now file for assistance through scheduled or raffled to the the internet. The Commission conciliator-mediator for preferred schedule for mere of claims and violations, the quasi-judicial functions said they made the move also conference upon normal purposes of reference, which aggrieved individual may seek primarily to resolve labor and to mitigate health hazards on resumption of office. may not be the actual date and advice from NLRC lawyers via management disputes involving workers during the quarantine. Notification on the updated time of their conference. email thru legal.nlrc@gmail. both local and overseas workers The online filing however is schedule will be sent via email, For inquiries and com. through compulsory arbitration currently available for NCR private courier or postal service. clarifications on the nature The NLRC, an attached and alternative modes of clients only. Filers may choose their agency of the DOLE, performs dispute resolution.

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR June 2020 • THE REGIONS • 7 New assignments for job kiosks are turned into RDs in DOLE-11 and 12 AS THE county continues to bato City. static health frontliners vs virus struggle against the pandemic, Fondly called by his peers TUGUEGARAO CITY – To ensure that the maintain it that way,” Director Ramos said. two new DOLE directors as RD Ray, he also holds a deadly COVID-19 is kept at bay and that constant Florie Ann Prasad, Labor and Employment take the helm of their new Master of Arts in Development health vigilance is practiced among its employees Officer III of DOLE-2 said that they have been assignments. Studies from the Institute of and clients, DOLE-2 recently has transformed one of receiving positive client feedbacks ever since the Regional Director Social Studies at the Hague, The its familiar features to help in the fight against the kiosk was enlisted to help fight the spread of the Raymundo Agravante will be Netherlands. deadly virus. virus. vacating his post at Region 11 Before his DOLE-12 post, he In a creative use of its facilities, DOLE-2 has The regional office plans to deploy similar in its to take over the helm of DOLE previously served in Regions turned one of its Job Search kiosks into a health field offices as an additional health measure, adding Region 12. He replaces Director 3, 4, NCR, 4-A, and as assistant survey and contact-tracing tool for its clients. to the safety measures already in place such as hand- Sisinio Cano who has recently regional director of Region 11 Regional Director, Atty. Evelyn Ramos said that washing areas, foot baths and thermo scanners for retired from the service. until the retirement of RD Cano the converted kiosk, which is stationed at the office all individuals entering DOLE field offices in the RD Agravante’s post will be last June 15, 2020. lobby is now a frontline tool that makes the regional region. taken over by Director Ofelia RD Ray was welcomed by office a safer place for clients and staff alike. The regional office also plans to configure the Domingo, CESO III. DOLE 12 personnel including RD Agravante is a home- the heads of the DOLE-Regional “We want to make sure that our office remains kiosk into a feedback station after availing of DOLE grown Southern Mindanao Coordinating Committee 12, safe and this innovation makes it certain that we will services. –Chester Carlo M. Trinidad achiever hailing from Libun- including outgoing RD Cano gan, Cotabato Province. He fin- through a virtual or online ished his Bachelor of Science in connectivity. Agriculture at the University On the other hand, newly DOLE, DTI partners for COVID- of Southern Mindanao in Ka- minted Regional Director bacan, Cotabato, and complet- Domingo previously served as ed his Bachelor of Laws from the Regional Director of Region free business in Eastern Visayas Notre Dame University, Cota- IX (Zamboanga Peninsula). TACLOBAN CITY – In compliance when it comes to adhering to these “At the same time we would with the interim guidelines standards”, said Director Centi. like to thank the employers and on workplace prevention Director Centi likewise the management of the mall for and control of COVID-19, the thanked the mall’s management being so accommodating. You labor department along with as well as the stall owners for know, we are here to help one the Department of Trade and their cooperation and urged them another as we face this health Industry (DTI) have successfully to always be on guard against crisis. DOLE and DTI will be here initiated a monitoring protocol on COVID-19. He said this is the time to assist you in adhering to these private establishments in Eastern that their support and compliance workplace standards”, Centi Visayas. will be needed. added. –Norma Rae S. Costimiano Started last June 19, the initial monitoring team was led by DOLE Regional Director Yahya Centi and DTI Regional Director Celerina Bato. In an opening meeting with the management staff of a mall, Director Centi cited the importance of monitoring to ensure that DOH-aligned health and safety protocols photo by DOLE RO-11 agains COVID-19 are strictly implemented on all re-opened CHANGE OF GUARD. Outgoing Region 11 Director Raymundo Agravante (left) turns establishments and businesses. over the symbolic key of responsibility to incoming Regional Director Ofelia Domingo “We are firm in saying that (right). RD Aggravante will take over the helm of DOLE Region 12. these guidelines are crucial not just for the employers and workers but for everyone who will be entering and doing business in a Creativity goes a long way mall. We can never be complacent DOLE VIII Director Yahya Centi (right) and DTI VIII Director Celerina Bato (left) confer with mall staff during a recent monitoring. in stanching virus CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL prizes for those who will top the MINDORO – DOLE MIMAROPA online questionnaire. Interested Cebu to start issuing web edicts recently launched its “Just Log participants may visit the link In” Project featuring DOLE's new posted in the official facebook page CEBU CITY — As the Department Mandaue City Chamber of companies informing them of labor laws and policies. of DOLE MIMAROPA. of Labor and Employment attempts Commerce, and the Hotel, Resort what to do and how things should With the cancellation of The following stakeholders to keep up with the “new normal,” and Restaurant Association of be done before any monitoring mass gatherings crimping the were invited to join and witness it also changes its approach on how Cebu, Director Siaton shared that or checking is conducted,” she institution of Labor Employment the project’s launching: Bureau to meet the needs and requirements the meeting was very fruitful. added. Once the course contents Education Services (LEES), of Labor Relations (BLR), of its stakeholders. Siaton said that she is thanking for the webinars are polished, they DOLE MIMAROPA has turned Regional Tripartite Industrial DOLE-7 plans to replace face- Board Member Soco for making will start as soon as possible, she into innovative ways to continue Peace Council (RTIPC) Vice- to-face orientations with webinars, her plan possible. One of the assured. relevant employment education, Chairpersons, Regional Tripartite or seminars conducted over the agreements reached was for DOLE “Actually, we already have information and updates with the Wages and Productivity Board internet. to conduct webinars on its latest the idea of webinars in mind, use of social media. (RTWPB) Board Members, DTI DOLE-7 Regional Director pronouncements and issuances. although we have not yet formally “Our team proudly brings MIMAROPA, NEDA MIMAROPA, Salome Siaton said it is high time to As of now, “I have delegated commenced it insofar as the labor you this virtual assistance of PIA MIMAROPA and its Field exhaust the benefits of technology to one of my Division Chiefs to standards and labor relations are DOLE MIMAROPA that aims to Offices, OWWA MIMAROPA, during this extraordinary times. develop course contents for these concerned. However, as for the continuously provide services even NCMB MIMAROPA, Federation “We cannot go on conducting webinars,” said the DOLE-7 Head. DOLE-Technical Support Services- during the pandemic”, Regional of MIMAROPA PESO Managers face-to-face seminars and The DOLE, she further said, Employment Workers Welfare, Director Albert Gutib announced. Association Inc., DOLE Provincial orientations due to the big risks. will start focusing on the DTI these things have been done Called “Just Log In” the proj- Directors and other media But, we cannot also leave our and DOLE Interim Guidelines on already by way of conducting ect is a an infomercial that features partners. stakeholders clueless to the Workplace Prevention and Control online meetings and seminars with three episodes (each episode will Some stakeholders have latest department issuances and of COVID-19 as well as with several different stakeholders especially run for a maximum of five minutes already commended the online pronouncements. They deserved to labor advisories issued recently by with the Public Employment every week) through the region’s project. RCMB MIMAROPA be updated,” she said. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Service Office (PESO) Managers in official facebook page along with Director Atty. Francis Gonzalo said She said that she made this Siaton likewise reminded Region-7,” said the regional head. Youtube platforms. It discusses the “Maganda itong infomercial very position during a virtual meeting companies that the DOLE and DTI The DOLE-7 is confident that latest issuances especially on safe- helpful especially during these with Sangnguniang Panlalawigan will be monitoring their compliance with the use of technology, DOLE ty and health measures against the time. It captures our attention with Member Glenn Soco, together with to safety and health standards as will still be able to reach out COVID-19 pandemic. valuable information.” –Emmanuel the Cebu Chamber of Commerce, provided for under the Interim effectively to all its stakeholders To encourage more viewers, Antonio P. Portugal Jr Guidelines. ” These webinars will and address their needs. –Luchel Just Log In will be giving simple now be our bridge towards the Senarlo-Taniza

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment • THE GOOD NEWS • Honest workers return stint pays after getting 4Ps TEN beneficiaries of the they got through a money DOLE Tulong Panghanap- remittance center. “Despite MARITIME HELP. buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ the extinct to cut corners in Labor Secretary Displaced Workers #Barangay a moment of crisis, these Silvestre Bello III (extreme right) Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD #BKBK) displaced workers chose receives food program in , honesty and integrity. This donations worth voluntarily returned the shows that the spirit of P62,473,546.46 from Doris salaries they got from DOLE bayanihan is so much alive in Magsaysay-Ho after finding out that they were every Filipino,” Ramos said. (extreme left) of also entitled to the Pantawid BWSC Director Karen Magsaysay Group of Companies Pamilyang Pilipino Program Trayvilla also commended to support the (4Ps). the honest workers. “Their repatriated The TUPAD #BKBK program honesty and compassion for and distressed is a flagship disinfection/ their fellowmen amid the seafarers and their families sanitation program of the crisis is a breath of fresh air as and the country’s Bureau of Workers with Special it demonstrated the inherent COVID-19 medical frontliners. Concerns (BWSC) that provides goodness of the Filipino people photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS cash assistance through a 10- which continue to shine even day work of sanitizing and in the darkest of days.” disinfecting the homes and Trayvilla said that DOLE surroundings of workers will continue to assist from the informal sector to affected workers through Shipping giant boosts COVID fight financially assist them during the department’s COVID-19 AS AN expression of gratitude development arm, personally and Asia Brewery, Inc. may be the quarantine. mitigating programs and the and appreciation to the current visited the DOLE office in extended by the department to DOLE-2 Regional Director government’s recovery plan. administration, the medical Intramuros, Manila to turn-over other initiatives that it may want Evelyn Ramos lauded the –w/report from RO-1, Connie frontliners, seafarers, and the to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello to undertake amid the rising beneficiaries’ honesty as they Gozales rest of the Filipino working III the donation. number of COVID-19 cases in returned the cash assistance men, some of the biggest The donation is in support the country. businesses have provided aid of the on-going repatriation of The government has to help government fight the displaced and distressed sea- embraced partnerships with spread of corona virus disease based and land-based overseas stakeholders including the while the country is still under Filipino workers (OFWs) and private sector, which has been general community quarantine their families and medical collaborating and supporting (GCQ). frontliners. the administration in fighting The Magsaysay Group of The diversified beverage the COVID-19 pandemic. companies, one of the country’s company Asia Brewery, Inc. on The Labor Chief said the pioneering maritime groups, the other hand, donated boxes strong commitment of DOLE’s donated food and other of non-alcoholic beverages stakeholders and private consumable goods valued at and disinfectant solution company partners in upholding P62,473,546.46 to the Department for distribution to DOLE their social responsibility and of Labor and Employment. frontliners, while ensuring its civic mindedness in this time of Doris Magsaysay Ho, food and beverage production crisis, helps alleviate workers’ photo by DOLE RO-2 President and CEO of the family- will continue round-the-clock financial hardships and ensure owned conglomerate manning to ensure ample supply for the that their health is protected, HONEST BUNCH. Gina Duldulao, Ronalyn Tolentino, Trifona Tolentino, Siony Jose, Leonila company, together with Flippo country. adding that “This is too inspiring Sapongay, Johnny Littaua, Rogelio Vinuya, Delfino Cantor, Gilbert Lumilan, and Ruben Vinuya voluntarily returned the assistance given to them by the Department of Labor and Bertuzzi of Homer Foundation, The assistance from both the not to share”. –Connie Gonzales Employment, upon learning that they had qualified for the government’s 4Ps program. Inc., Magsaysay’s social Magsaysay Group of companies From failed waitress to promising lawyer

WE ARE all aware of “rags to correctly. However, she lucked out paid off. She was one of the riches” stories or accounts of A JobStart alumna, Atty. of the food and hospitality 2,103 examinees who passed individuals who began their Delfin’s story of success is industry when the café’s the bar in 2019. lives and careers with much filled with a story of failure human resource office “While there is no straight- larger decks stacked against and resilience. informed her that they had forward way to success, there them, but managed anyway, Delfin joined the JobStart changed their mind in hiring are circumstances that can to do great things. Philippines program through her due to a scar on her face. point us to our straightest path Success stories are a dime the Public Appalled and devastated, to success,” said Delfin. a dozen. But no matter the Employment Service Office this rejection set her back Saying that she attributed success and no matter how (PESO) during its pilot phase and Delfin lost hope to her success to JobStart hard the initial failures were; in 2014, in partnership with further pursue this career. Philippines, Delfin adds, the common denominator has Asian Development Bank But remembering the lessons “JobStart helped me become always been resilience and the (ADB) and the Embassy of she learned from her JobStart resilient and made me realize attitude of never giving up. Canada. training on maintaining that there are no limitations to Erna Arrida Delfin, failed As a fresh graduate of BS a positive mental attitude what I could do.” to find success in the small Cruise Ship Management, toward job hunting and the “For every door that closes, world of waitressing but JobStart became her training challenges of failure allowed every failure, rejection, or lost who, through determination, ground in her preparation her not to dwell on her opportunity, a new and better found herself finishing law to land a job in the food and rejection. one will always open,” she school and passing the 2019 hospitality industry. With courage and support wisely said. Philippine bar exams. She took her technical earned from her family, “Remember, if God Even if we are to argue that training at the Pacific Global Delfin decided to pursue a brought you to it, He will photo by DOLE RO-7 they are rare exceptions who Hospitality Institute where law degree at the University bring you through it,” said the defy the cruel odds of life, she trained as a service of Iloilo, which she finished former waitress trainee and WITH EVERY DOOR THAT CLOSES, A NEW ONE their successes remind us that ambassador and which led through dedication and focus now a newly minted lawyer. OPENS. Atty. Erna Arrida Delfin, a former waitress, successfully passed the bar exam with guidance greater attainment is possible her to a job at a coffee shop in as well as the support of her –w/ report from BLE, Connie from her JobStart training. if we learn to approach things Makati City. family. And her hard work Gonzales