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DOLE marks 86 years Quality, honest service assured

FOR PROVIDING expedient, quality and honest service to advance the rights and welfare of the Filipino workers, the Department of Labor and Employment’s more than 8,000 employees were honored during the 86th DOLE anniversary on December 6. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the more than eight decades of the existence of the department is in itself an inspiring feat for officials and employees to celebrate. “What better time to OFW MONEY CLAIMS. The labor department has been relentless acknowledge the employees’ in pushing for the payment of money claims of overseas Filipino hard work and dedication in the workers who were laid off by their previous employer, the Saudi fulfillment of our mandate than Oger Company Ltd., in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In this file during our foundation anniversary. photo, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, together with DFA officials I am certain that the activities led by Ambassador Adnan Alonto, Undersecretary Sarah Luo Arriolla, they prepared are good avenues Undersecretary Brigido Dulay and Director Iric Arribas; DOLE POEA to demonstrate their talents, Administrator Bernard Olalia, and DOLE OWWA Administrator Hans creativity, and athletic skills,” he Leo Cacdac, discusses updates on the said claims with the former said. Filipino workers in the Saudi-based company. Photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS The week-long celebration was highlighted by fun, song and dance contests, sports competition, service recognition, as well as tree- planting and clean-up at the Baseco Compound in Tondo, Manila. A thanksgiving night was also held on December 3 in honor of the PH TO SCALE DOWN DOLE partners and stakeholders, including labor and employers sector and the media. Simultaneous Jobs and Business Fairs were also held in five major sites across the country. SAUDI DEPLOYMENT This year’s anniversary celebration, Bello said, focused IN A move to call the attention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on still unpaid on DOLE achievements, the large and small victories that brought benefits of thousands of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amounting to some opportunities to workers and P4.6 billion, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the government will scale employers, and the improved level of commitment for the betterment down their deployment to the Kingdom. of the Filipino workers. “We plan to scale down our “Most of those workers have not The Secretary said he brought the “The success of the various deployment to Saudi Arabia starting received their salary since April 2019 and matter to the attention of Saudi Arabia programs under my watch is next year. The purpose of this scaling small value claims have yet to be settled. Ambassador Bussairy to request the the product of the works of the down is to call the attention of the Saudi If you recall in 2016 August, together Saudi government intervention for the men and women of DOLE whose government to what we consider as slow with Undersecretary Lagunzad, I went OFWs. support I count upon from my first action on the plight of our workers,” to Saudi to repatriate about 13,000 of our “We have yet to see the result of the day in the department and will Bello said. workers who were not paid their salaries Saudi intervention. Kaya iyon po ang value the most,” he said. –Connie The Secretary said over 200 of the for almost two years. Hanggang ngayon aming pinag-aaralan, ang mag scale C. Gonzalez workers were deployed by one of the hindi pa nababayaran yung claims ng down kami ng deployment this coming main contractors of Saudi Aramco. ating mga manggagawa,” Bello said. P2

Google images Photo by Suns for Cebu Photo by BLR Photo by DOLE RO1 OVERSEAS AGENCIES REGIONS GOOD NEWS SoKor, Spain, Best L-M councils New business Employment up Taiwan hike wage honored given LEES in Ilocos P5 P6 P7 P8 2 December 2019

Photo by Dodong Echavez,IPS PH to scale down . . . from P1

year,” he said. pay, hindi nila natatanggap Asked what job deployments iyon. They filed their case, they will be ‘scaled-down,’ Bello won their claims, hanggang said, all professions, from skills, ngayon hindi nababayaran. No and including the household less than our President sent out service workers, will be limited. a letter to the KSA King, pero “We will not issue OECs,” he walang action,” he said. warned. Bello, however, said As to the percentage of the treatment of ‘balik- scaling down, the Secretary said manggagawa,’ as to the scaling it will be subject to a meeting down will be a “case to case” with the POEA Governing basis. Board. "We may set conditions to JOBS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Dante Gierran wind up the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement that will promote gainful employment opportunities to qualified, willing but unemployed “We repatriated 13,000, out remove the cut in deployment. elderlies. They are joined by Ang Probinsiyano Party List representative Ronnie Ong, Barangay Chairperson Daisy Tee of Bgy. 572 of the City of of that, may mga claims lahat They must pay first our workers, Manila, DOLE Undersecretary Anna Dione, BWSC Director Karen Trayvilla, FMS Director Warren Miclat and other NBI senior officials. iyan from at least one year to especially their 9,000 unpaid more than two years of unpaid claims which total to about 4.6 salaries, and end of service pay billion pesos," the Secretary Compressed workweek o kung tawagin natin separation said. –GSR Voluntary; no cuts in benefits COMPRESSED workweek existing guidelines on this. Its compressed workweek as a Double pay should be based on voluntary effectivity and implementation flexible work arrangement where agreement of both parties and should be voluntary. We do not the normal workweek is reduced that it should not result in force them to implement the to less than six days, but the total on New Year’s Day a diminution of the existing work scheme, because this is number of work hours per week benefits of the employees. part of management prerogative. shall remain. This was reiterated by Labor Both parties have the autonomy The normal workday is PRIVATE sector workers 100 percent of their wage Secretary Silvestre Bello III to to reach an agreement as long increased to more than eight who reported for work on for that day [(Basic wage + private-sector workers and as it does not violate our labor hours, but not to exceed 12 hours, January 1 (New Year’s Day), COLA) x 100%]. employers, citing the existing laws,” Bello said. without corresponding overtime which is a regular holiday, As to employees rendered DOLE advisory which recognizes Also, the benefits of the premium. were reminded that they will overtime work, must be paid the agreement between the employees should not be reduced The concept can be adjusted get paid twice their regular an additional 30 percent of employer and the employees due to the implementation of accordingly depending on daily wages. their hourly rate on said day to implement the compressed such work arrangement, he the normal workweek of the This as the labor depart- [Hourly rate of the basic wage workweek. added. company, the advisory further ment reminded employers x 200% x 130% x number of “The compressed workweek Department Advisory No. states. through Labor Advisory No. hours worked]. is not mandated, but we have 4 Series of 2010 defines the There are a lot of considerations 13, series of 2019, issued by Meanwhile, employees in adopting flexible work Labor Secretary Silvestre worked on a regular holiday arrangements, but Bello said Bello III guiding employers that is also their rest day the scheme aims to improve on the proper payment of shall be paid an additional business competitiveness and wages for the regular and 30 percent of their basic wage Indonesia learns productivity. special (non-working) days of 200 percent, [(basic wage + It also aims to give both for the year 2020. COLA) x 200%] + [30% (basic employers and employees the The advisory is pursuant wage x 200%)]. from JobStart PH flexibility in work hours which to Proclamation No. 845 Lastly, employees is compatible with business signed by President Rodrigo rendered overtime work on a WITH its successful facilitation tourism, manufacturing, and requirements and the employees’ Duterte on November 15, regular holiday that also fell of the school-to-work transition services sectors. need for a balanced work-life, he 2019. on their rest day must be paid of at-risk Filipino youth, the With this, Undersecretary added. Employees who reported an additional 30 percent of labor department’s JobStart Ebarle said that the program He also said that in case there for work on January 1 must their hourly rate on the said program is set to “has helped decrease the are complaints, the company and be paid 200 percent of their day [Hourly rate of the basic be replicated by the Indonesian youth unemployment rate in the workers may agree to revert wage for the first eight hours wage x 200% x 130% x 130% government. the country—which we are to the previous normal work [(basic wage + COLA) x x number of hours worked]. This after senior DOLE optimistic that when piloted in arrangement. –Althea Louise D. 200%]; while employees who –Althea Louise D. Majan officials oriented Indonesian Indonesia, will surely generate Majan will not work shall be paid delegates, composed of staff the same positive outcome.” of government ministries Undersecretary Ana and regional employment Dione, meanwhile, expressed service providers, on the the “humble pride” of the implementation of the Jobstart Department as the JobStart No inspection on Xmas break program during their study Philippines program is now visit at the DOLE Central Office being benchmarked by TO ENABLE the labor The conduct of routine million workers were inspected by in Intramuros, Manila. Indonesia. department to dispose of all inspections shall resume upon the DOLE labor inspectors. Most Jobstart is a full-cycle “With the little victories pending labor standards cases and issuance of the 2020 General of the inspected establishments employment facilitation and lessons learned we’ve had prepare the inspection program Authority for Labor Inspectors. were engaged in wholesale and program that prepares young since we started the program, for 2020, Labor Secretary Silvestre During the period of retail, accommodation and food for employment by this study visit becomes an Bello III has suspended all labor suspension, DOLE regional service, and administrative providing them with career opportunity to share our inspection activities in December. directors shall ensure that all support and service. coaching, life skills and success stories, best strategies In Administrative Order No. results of inspection activities Among the notable violations technical training, and an and lessons learned to serve 495, Series of 2019, Bello directed are uploaded in the Management on general labor standards internship with employers. It is as a guide as you implement all DOLE regional directors to Information System (MIS) before pertain to non-maintenance now institutionalized through the program in Indonesia,” she suspend all labor inspection the end of December. of employment records in the the Jobstart Philippines Act. said. activities in their respective The Information Technology workplace, non-payment of Labor Undersecretary OIC-Assistant Secretary and regions. personnel in-charge of the service incentive leave, non- Renato Ebarle said that since Bureau of Local Employment However, exempted from information and communications coverage of workers to social the program’s inception in 2014, Director Dominique Tutay the suspension are complaint technology materials and/ welfare agencies, and non- a total of 16,481 Filipino youth, highlighted that what sets the inspections; occupational safety or the MIS Regional Systems remittance of social welfare particularly those who are not program apart from other youth and health standards (OSHS) Administrators shall conduct an contributions. in education, employment, employment programs is the investigations; technical safety audit of all the mobile gadgets Meanwhile, common and training or NEET, have life skills training provided to benefited from the program. It the beneficiaries. It is designed, inspections, such as inspection used for inspection activities to violations on OSH include an is now being implemented in she added, to holistically of boilers, pressure vessels, ensure that all 2019 inspection absence of OSH personnel in 35 local government units and develop the behavior, attitude, and mechanical and electrical findings are uploaded and the workplace, non-conduct of among its top industry partners and values of JobStart trainees. installation, etc; and inspection of those mobile gadgets issued are workers’ OSH seminar, non- are the business process –Althea Louise D. Majan any establishment or industry as properly utilized and maintained. submission of the annual medical outsourcing, hospitality and directed by the Labor Secretary. As of September, 57,514 report, and lack of health facilities. establishments covering 2.3 –Althea Louise D. Majan

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR December 2019 3 DOLE adjudged P4.4-M for biofuel FOI champion industry workers THE Tripartite Consultative for the program implementers, FOR ITS transparency and full government. processing FOI requests with the Council (TCC) for the program partners, and public disclosure of requested Labor Secretary Silvestre average of 4.12 days; compliance bioethanol sector of the stakeholders, as well as information, the labor department Bello III said the Department with the PCOO requirements; biofuels industry has monitoring, assessment, and was hailed as Freedom of has been consistent in heeding awareness campaign to support recommended the approval documentation of projects are Information champion for 2019 by the President’s directive to the implementation of the of the P4.4M operating lined up in 2020. the Presidential Communications bring the government closer program; various initiatives and budget for the 2020 Social The TCC also agreed Operations Office (PCOO). to the people and that the FOI innovations; and the quality, Amelioration and Welfare on the need to strengthen The recognition was sustained award is a “validation of our timeliness, and efficiency in the Program (SAWP) for workers the capacities of program by the labor department for two unwavering commitment and overall operationalization of the in the biofuel industry partners and stakeholders on consecutive years for “exceptional support to the President’s program. utilizing sugarcane and how to access SAWP socio- and significantly contributing” instructions against corruption The department was also molasses as feedstocks. economic fund, and program to the Freedom of Information and inefficiency.” The DOLE recognized as among the top The resolution, which implementers so they can program of the national was cited for its best practices in requested and performing was passed during its 4th effectively monitor and agencies in the e-FOI portal (www. regular meeting on December provide adequate technical foi.gov.ph). 11, 2019, at the Ramada assistance to bioethanol Bello attributed the recognition Hotel, Binondo, Manila, was workers. to the DOLE’s various initiatives submitted to the Secretary of At the same time, the in furthering the FOI program, Labor and Employment for council agreed that the slots for such as the substantial reduction consideration. College Education Assistance of the Average Processing Time, For 2020, the TCC will (CEA) and Technical/Skills constant updating of the FOI Manual, ensuring a refined “No- pursue the review and Training scholars from Wrong-Door Policy,” instituting improvement of policies, bioethanol producers will be dynamic visibility and feedback systems and procedures forfeited after two years of mechanisms, and a sound that would ensure access to non-availment of CEA and information platform. benefits and protection by the one year for Technical Skills The 2019 FOI Awards bioethanol workers including Training scholars. –PMTSSD/ ceremony, held on December 12 in their dependents. WSADD Makati City, was organized by the More so, capacity building PCOO’s Freedom of Information- Project Monitoring Office to honor Photo by PCOO government agencies, individuals, and organizations that have made BEST AGENCY. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III receives the 2019 FOI Champion award exceptional contributions to the from the Freedom of Information-Project Monitoring Office Presidential Communications development and progress of the Operations Office for DOLE's exceptional and significant contributions to the development More studies and progress of the FOI Program and as among the Top Requested and Performing Agencies FOI Program. –Althea Louise D. in the e-FOI Portal (www.foi.gov.ph). Majan needed for 4IR 2019 POLO Confab AMID changes in the world only craft effective and responsive of work brought by the Fourth policies and programs based on Industrial Revolution, the labor sound research, informed analysis, department has underscored and quality social dialogue.” Assess future of overseas the importance of developing Meanwhile, ILS Deputy and implementing labor and Executive Director Patrick employment policies and Patriwirawan said DOLE has been operations, Labatts urged programs based on sound aligning its initiative and policy research. framework on the principles of FOUR evolving issues in the to “look into Bilateral Labor Overseas Labor Offices This was underscored during sustainable development and just overseas labor front took center Agreements and examine the participated in the biennial POLO the 8th DOLE Research Conference transition. stage at the biennial Philippine extent by which they made the Conference. organized by the Institute of Labor Fourteen kinds of research Overseas Labor Office (POLO) OFWs better off and how we can With the theme Studies. were presented under the Conference on December 9-13 use them to get better terms for “Operationalizing Decent Work Labor Undersecretary Ana following categories: mapping 2019 in Malvar, Batangas. our OFWs in the future.” for OFWs: Labor Diplomacy Dione, in her message read by OIC- emerging trends, opportunities Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello “Another issue we will focus Challenges and Opportunities,” Assistant Secretary Dominique and challenges in the world of III led the biennial gathering on is the influence of digital the labor officers were given the Tutay, said that although the work; securing social protection by urging the Philippine Labor media that has changed the way chance to air their respective fourth industrial revolution “is a for all amidst uncertainties in the Offices led by labor attaches we think and behave, and how we issues and concerns at Post as major challenge of our time, how world of work; and exploring (labatt) to look into major policy can use it better as a modality for regional consultations with the we deal with it, how we adapt to institutional and workplace issues that have an impact both better service delivery at DOLE Secretary, as well as separate it, and how we harness its positive arrangements for a better and on the current and future tasks in and the POLOs,” Bello added. plenary sessions with POEA and potential, will shape the future of brighter future. the overseas operations. The labor chief also called OWWA officials were conducted. work.” For details of the said studies, “One issue is the new and upon the labor officers on Representatives from the Highlighting the importance interested researchers may visit emerging employment pathways, how the use of the Philippine Civil Service Commission and of evidence-based policies, she (http://ils.dole.gov.ph/). –Althea all happening outside the ambit qualifications framework can DOLE-HRDS, also provided added that the department “can Louise D. Majan of the POEA and how they are enhance our deployment policy the participants learning being addressed by anti-illegal and reintegration programs. sessions on the Code of Conduct CHALLENGES IN THE OVERSEAS LABOR. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, flanked recruitment and anti-trafficking More than 70 Labor Attaches for Government Employees by Assistant Secretary Philip Paredes (left) and OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac initiatives,” Bello said. and Welfare Officers representing and Strategic Planning and (right), discusses with the Labor Attaches and Welfare Officers the continuing challenge of He also enjoined the POLOs the Department’s 36 Philippine Management System (SPMS). evaluating major policy issues affecting overseas operations at the opening of the biennial – GSR/with a report from ILAB POLO Conference on December 9, 2019.

Photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 4 December 2019

Ultima Company and Crown Regency Hotel for alleged slow DOLE Hotline 8888: Para sa mabilis processing of back wages. The DOLE Makati and Pasay Field Office, upon receipt of the complaint in November 2017, at magalang na serbisyo immediately acted on Ranjo’s concern until the final resolution of the case. WHEN LABOR Secretary process flow and the required Another client, John Linden Silvestre Bello III assumed office, time frame to take concrete Sia expressed his deepest one of his first orders of the day and specific actions,” said OIC gratitude for the ‘timely, We value the public's was to make sure his crafted Undersecretary Joji Aragon, “ courteous, and efficient services Eight-Point Labor Agenda will DOLE's Hotline 8888 Focal extended to him and his family’ feedback. In this sense, bring forth a reformed and Person. for the speedy repatriation of his strengthened DOLE, and first This also encapsulates the father, Lindon Sia, an overseas Hotline 8888 has been on his list was the enhancement theme of DOLE's 86th year of Filipino worker (OFW) from the and transformation of the service to the Filipino, which is Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). beneficial in improving Department into an efficient, "Patuloy sa Mahusay, Mabilis, Sia commended the prompt responsive, purposeful and at Magalang na Serbisyo." assistance extended by then- our labor and employment accountable institution. Assistant Secretary Joji Aragon Thus, underscoring the Sustaining quality public and her staff Meneleo Rosales, services. We ensure that we importance of public feedback service Overseas Workers Welfare mechanism in improving service DOLE continues to improve follow the process flow Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac, delivery, the labor department and take part in the innovation and Philippine Overseas has been proactively taking that is ‘Citizens' Complaint and the required Employment Administrator action on complaints and Hotline,’ or 8888, as it tirelessly Bernard Olalia. feedback received through 8888 sets in motion on a 24/7 basis the time frame to He also expressed his Citizens’ Complaint Hotline. national public service hotline. It takes an active role in enabling appreciation for the efforts of take concrete Labor Attaché Nasser Munder Significant strides the public to participate in good for the speedy processing For this year, DOLE has governance. and specific of his father’s documentary closed 1,331 of the 1,345 The Department remains requirements for repatriation complaints and requests for steadfast in responding to actions. and for negotiating his father’s assistance received at the 8888 complaints through concrete ” case with Arkad Engineering portal. and specific action within 72 and Construction. This translates to a hours. compliance rate of 98.95 percent. “We are duty-bound to give Sound, responsive assistance Among the top concerns re- a clear, exact, and relevant On June 5, 2017, Labor & ceived by the DOLE were about response to the complainant,” Employment Secretary Silvestre labor standards, employment OIC Undersecretary Aragon Bello III issued Administrative Joji V. Aragon assistance, systems, and proce- said, adding that the Hotline Order No. 238, Series of 2017 OIC Undersecretary dures, and personnel matters. 8888 has been a mechanism which created DOLE 8888 Focal Person, DOLE 8888 Of the concerns received not only to report about Citizens’ Complaint Action by the Department, 759 were complaints but also to commend Team to ensure prompt action complaints on labor standards government service. on complaints and requests violations of companies and for assistance, to help identify 495 were grievances about Stories of laudable service areas for improvement and slow action on complaints, Several DOLE offices have intervention, and ultimately, to lack of feedback, additional been receiving commendable help improve the Department’s requirements not specified in feedback for its timely response services and programs. the list of required documents, to queries and complaints, The creation of the action and policy suggestions. specifically in regional offices team was DOLE’s prompt Other concerns were about where the crux of operations response to the order of Executive Editor | RAUL M. FRANCIA requests for employment or take place every day. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte livelihood assistance (56) and For instance in 2018, then for government agencies Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO complaints about integrity DOLE-National Capital Region to institutionalize the 8888 Issue Editor issues or attitudes of DOLE Director Henry John Jalbuena Citizen's Complaint Hotline personnel (35). and Director Andrea Cabansag, Senior Writers | CORAZON C. GONZALES | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS through Executive Order No. 6 “We value the public’s head of Makati and Pasay Field ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN | PETER PAUL R. ANG which was initially implemented feedback. In this sense, Hotline Office received commendation in 2016 through the Civil Service Contributing Writers | HERSHEY AQUINO, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR 8888 has been beneficial in letters for the speedy resolution Aksyon ng Bayan portal. ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | REGINALD ESTIOCO, RO2 improving our labor and of the case filed by Edward –Althea Louise D. Majan/GSR JELYN ABELLA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A employment services. We Brendon Ranjo against his EMMANUEL ANTONIO PORTUGAL, RO4-B | JOHANA VI GASGA, RO5 ensure that we follow the former employer, Club NIEZEL ANEN SABRIDO, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 NORMA RAE COSTIMIANO, RO8 | KAREN CLAIRE GRAFIA, RO9 MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | EDUARDO MONREAL, RO11 CHRISTOPHER GAMBOA, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEMATA, CARAGA

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The PHILIPPINE LABOR is the official publication of the Department of Labor and Employment with editorial office at the Information and Publication Service 1st Floor, OPLE Building, Intramuros, Manila.

Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. photo by DOLE NCR Mail or fax them in, or call us at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, 623, 625, 626, 627. RAISING THE BAR OF PUBLIC SERVICE. Undersecretary Anna Dione underscores the importance of understanding the types of public Our fax number is 527-3446. assistance offered by the government, such as Citizens’ Complaints (Hotline 8888); Frontline Services (Anti-Red Tape Act); Government You may also visit our website: www.dole.gov.ph; Services (Ease of Doing Business Act of 2018); and Information Requests (Freedom of Information), in a learning session on FOI conducted by or e-mail us at [email protected]. DOLE-NCR and Presidential Communications Operations Office.

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR December 2019 • OVERSEAS • 5 Exit clearance ok’d OFWs in Bahrain take for OFWs in Libya professional oath THE Governing Board of OFWs can also travel to the the Philippine Overseas Philippines and back to Libya on SIXTY-FIVE OFW-examinees in rate in 2018. the best traits of Filipinos”. He Employment Administration, other valid grounds or significant Bahrain who passed the Special Labor Attache Vicente Cabe said further urged the new professionals upon the recommendation of the events to be determined by the Professional Licensure Examination the passers' feat is proof that hard to always maintain the high Department of Foreign Affairs, Philippine Embassy in Tripoli. (SPLE), including four passers work always pays off. “You serve as standard of quality of work that has allowed the issuance of To apply for an OEC, of the PRC Upgrading Technical an inspiration to us, officials of the makes Filipinos “tinitingala ng overseas employment certificate returning OFWs must present Evaluation for Professional POLO and the Philippine Embassy, Bahrain at ng ibang lahi” (being (OEC) or exit clearance to Filipino other documents such as a valid Electronics and Communication to strive harder to bring programs looked up to in Bahrain and by workers who intend to go home to passport with an appropriate Engineers and Professional and services closer to people other races). the Philippines and return to their visa issued by the Ministry of Electrical Engineers, took their oath especially to migrant Filipino The event also witnessed jobs in Libya on certain conditions. Foreign Affairs or work permit as licensed professionals. workers like you,” he added. the turnover of leadership in The Board, chaired by Labor issued by the Ministry of Labor Rossana Manuel Ong who Ambassador Ver, on the other the Philippine Professional Secretary Silvestre Bello III, issued of State of Libya, and Contract placed 4th in the Licensure hand, urged the newly licensed Organization. The incoming GB Resolution No. 12, Series of Employment verified by the Examination for Professional professionals to continuously officers led by Benny Garces of of 2019, which authorizes the Philippine Overseas Labor Office. Teachers led the 2019 SPLE hone their skills and upgrade the Philippine Nurses Association processing and issuance of OECs They must also present their Passers in the oathtaking before their qualifications and to also (PNA) were also sworn-in by Ambassador Alfonso Ver on serve as mentors to others who Ambassador Ver. to Filipinos presently working in medical and life insurance policy November 28, 2019, at the Crowne are also aspiring to be licensed PPO-Bahrain is a valuable Tripoli and other areas within the provided by their employer, and Plaza Hotel, Diplomatic Area in the professionals. He urged the passers partner of the Post especially 100-kilometer radius of the capital, contingency plan of their employer Kingdom of Bahrain. to shun from harboring negative in massive information given that they have secured to ensure the safety and security Overall, the SPLE passing rate traits like crab mentality and dissemination, online registration a Certificate of Conditional of the OFWs and avoid getting in Manama, Bahrain stood at 32 schadenfreude and instead “serve of the prospective examinees and Exemption from the Philippine caught in the escalating violence percent which is three notches as ambassadors in this country and conduct of review classes. –POLO Embassy in Tripoli. in the North African country. higher than the 29 percent passing your workplaces as you showcase Bahrain The conditional exemption In the meantime, the ban on will be based on humanitarian the processing and deployment grounds as determined by the of new hires to Libya and DFA, such as the need to travel workers returning to their former to the Philippines because of: (1) employers remain in effect. death or sickness in the immediate In April 2019, Secretary Bello family; (2) to accompany and assist imposed a total deployment ban a member of immediate family for of Filipino workers in Libya upon the purpose of relocation, school the recommendation of DFA due examinations or registration, and to the escalating violence in the medical treatment; (3) to attend said country, which threatened the urgent banking and financing safety and security of an estimated transactions; and (4) to file court 1,000 Filipino workers. –POEA cases or appear in court hearings. Minimum wage photo by POLO London

SKILLS DEVELOPMENT. One hundred seventy-three Filipino workers in the The United Kingdom who completed different courses under the in Korea hiked Skills Enhancement Training Program for OFWs offered for free by the Philippine Embassy through the POLO-OWWA, join Philippine Embassy London Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, DOLE POLO London Labor Attaché Amy Reyes, partner agencies, and the Filipino Community during THE Republic of Korea has Korea’s new wage system their graduation ceremony. increased its minimum wage and seek assistance from the for all workers, including Philippine Overseas Labor Filipino workers, under its Office or the nearest job new wage system as defined in stability center which has English teachers its Labor Standards Act. jurisdiction over the concerned SPIMS goes to Abu Dhabi Effective on January 1, 2020, workers’ workplace if their wanted in China TO ENCOURAGE licensed provide opportunities for OFW employees in Korea regardless employer failed to pay the teachers who are working overseas LET passers to practice their of their employment status or prescribed salary. FILIPINO English teachers to practice their professions in profession in the Philippines. nationality will now receive Korea is one of the can now seize the opportunity their hometowns, the National He also briefed the participants an hourly minimum wage Philippines’ favored of working in China as the Reintegration Center for OFWs on how to avail of the program, of 8,580 kwon from the 8,350 destinations for OFWs because Philippine Overseas Employment ran an advocacy campaign of the as well as the eligibility and kwon hourly rate in 2019. of the demand for foreign Administration (POEA) is now “Sa Pinas Ikaw ang Ma’am/Sir” requirements needed in applying Workers will now receive workers under its Employment accepting applications through its (SPIMS) program in Abu Dhabi, to be a SPIMS beneficiary. a monthly minimum wage of Permit System, aimed to Government Placement Branch. United Arab Emirates. Welfare Officer Melvin -Case 1,795,310 kwon at 209 working address its labor shortage in This is to cater to the urgent Labor Attaché Alejandro da discussed the Comprehensive hours per month and a 40- various industries such as need of English teachers of Padaen of Philippine Overseas OFW Reintegration Programs hour workweek including paid agriculture, stockbreeding, some tertiary educational Labor Office - Abu Dhabi (CORP), the flagship reintegra- holidays. fishery, construction, and institutions (TEIs) in China such welcomed the participants from tion program of Overseas Workers POEA advises Filipino manufacturing. –POEA as Northwest A & F University, various Philippine Schools Welfare Administration (OWWA) workers to be informed of Yancheng Teachers University, Overseas (PSOs) in Abu Dhabi and NRCO. Yiwu Industrial & Commercial as well as other organizations of Jeffrey Gines of Philippine College and Shandong University teachers, such as the National Normal University (PNU) ... also in Spain, Taiwan of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Organization of Professional meanwhile discussed the free Interested applicants must Teachers Inc. (NOPTI) and Filipino online refresher course (ORC) THE POLOs in Taiwan and publishing of a Royal Decree. have a bachelor’s degree in International Teachers Society provided by the university to Spain have also reported Meanwhile, POLO Taipei education or English language (FITS)-UAE. potential SPIMS beneficiaries. minimum wage increases for also reported that the Taiwan and must be a graduate NCRO OIC Director Roel Gines highlighted tips and workers in 2020. Ministry of Labor’s Minimum of Philippine educational Martin, presented the SPIMS suggestions on how to finish Madrid-based Labor Wage Committee announced institutions accredited by the Program which is a reintegration the modules through an online Attache Joan Lourdes Lavilla the increase of minimum wage Ministry of Education of the convergence project of DOLE, learning facility. Department of Education and Geronico Herrera of NRCO reported that there will be an to NT$23,800, a 3.03% increase People’s Republic of China. (http:// other government agencies that facilitated the open forum to increase in the minimum wage from the previously set www.poea.gov.ph/news/2020/PH- clarify issues and concerns of in Spain from €900 to €950. minimum wage of NT$23,100. TEI%20LIST%20accredited%20 the participants regarding the The 2020 Minimum The increase will be by%20PRoC12263.pdf ) SPIMS program, such as the Interprofessional Salary (SMI) effective 01 January 2020 and Qualified applicants should submit the required documents waiting period for the granting was announced by Labor will benefit skilled workers, register online at www.poea. at the counters of Manpower of the teaching position, manner Minister Yolanda Diaz and is covering more than 1,832,600 gov.ph or at http://onlineservices. Registry Division, Ground Floor, expected to be approved by the local workers and 465,500 Blas F. Ople Bldg. (formerly of school selection, promotion, poea.gov.ph/OnlineServices/ benefits and bonuses for teachers, Council of Masters through the foreign workers. –ILAB POEAOnline.aspx and personally POEA Bldg.), Ortigas Avenue corner EDSA, Mandaluyong City. and other concerns regarding the –POEA SPIMS program. –NRCO

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment 6 • AGENCIES • December 2019 Zero pending case in NLRC-Cebu CEBU CITY – For the sixth This after the Division has cases and for December, at least handled and disposed of a total of the 1,312 cases received. consecutive year, the National disposed of all pending and 81 cases were received by the of 58 ordinary appeals (OA), PC Bantug said, there was Labor Relations Commission received cases for December, Division. OFW cases, OA motions for no reason not to dispose of all of (NLRC) Seventh Division which reached at 168. According to Presiding reconsideration (MR) and OFW the cases especially that this was achieved a “zero pending At the end of November 2019, Commissioner Violeta Ortiz- MRs. 13.64% lower than the 1,491 cases caseload” at the end of 2019. there were at least 87 pending Bantug, the Division could not Commissioner Julie received in 2018. have reached this milestone if Rendoque’s Office has disposed For December 2019, more not for the cooperation of the 50 and the Office of Commissioner than P51.8 million and another Commissioners, Labor Arbiters, Nendell Hanz Abella disposed of SAR 8,400.00 have been awarded Commission Attorneys and the 60. to 186 employees after their cases Best LMC peacekeepers, entire support staff. From January to December have been resolved. –PR/ AZLG innovators honored The Office of PC Bantug 2019, the Division disposed of all by Gillian Pearl L. Guerrero SIX labor-management coun- agement Organization (CLAM- cils (LMCs) and grievance OR) received a special award machinery (GMs) were honored on Enhanced Corporate Viabil- by the National Conciliation ity, TADECO Bananeros’ Fam- and Mediation Board (NCMB) ily Circle of Tagum Agricultural for their best practices and Development Company, Inc. innovations in preventing was awarded the Special Award and settling disputes at the on Innovative Strategic Partner- enterprise level. ship, and TMC Labor-Manage- Hailed as winners of ment Council of Taganito Min- the Search for Outstanding ing Corporation won the Special LMCs under the organized Award on Effective Organiza- establishment category were tional Structure for organized Nestle CDOF Team Council establishments. of Nestle Philippines, Inc., AMCINERO of Apex Davao Doctors Hospital Labor Mining Company, Inc. won & Management Cooperation the special award on Enhanced (DMLC), and Dolefil Kaugnay. Corporate Viability, Kasama REPI Employee-Manage- ang Isa’t Isa sa Adhikain ment Council (EMC) – Partners, (KAISA) of Fujitsu Die-Tech AMP Employee Council and Corporation of the Philippines Employee Engagement Com- received the Special Award on mittee (EEC) won under the un- Innovative Strategic Partnership organized category. and Perpetual Prime Mfg. Inc. The LMCs were evaluated Labor-Management Unity based on the quality of Circle of Perpetual Prime Mfg. their presentation, mutual Inc. received the Special Award photo by Dodong Echavez, IPS participation of management on Effective Organizational and workers in accomplishing Structure for unorganized GKK CHAMPION. Engr. Joey Ortega, Terminal Manager of Petron Corporation in Rosario, Cavite, receives the national champion trophy programs and projects, and establishments. (individual category) from DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Occupational Safety and Health Center Executive Director Noel Binag the successful implementation The Board also conferred during the 11th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (GKK) awarding ceremony at OSH in December. of the program within a given the Outstanding Grievance period. Machinery for Industrial Peace Dolefil Kaugnay of Dole to IEWP-Employees Union- Philippines, Inc. and REPI Federation of Democratic Outstanding safety, health Employee- Management Trade Union of International Council (EMC) – Partners of Electric Wires Phils. Corp., Rohm Electronics Philippines Carmen Copper Workers’ Inc. were conferred the Labor Organization (CCWLO) practitioners recognized Outstanding LMCs for Grievance Machinery of Carmen Industrial Peace Hall of Fame Copper Corporation, and Nestle by DJ Romero culture of safety and health in all (Magat Hydroelectric Power for consistently winning the CDO GM of Nestle Philippines, workplaces,” said Bello. Plant); and Continental Temic search for three times in a row. Inc. all from organized Several institutions and Leading this year’s awardees Electronics Philippines Inc. Aside from the Award for establishment category. individuals with exemplary are the GKK Champions They were joined by the Outstanding LMC, the Board The NCMB awarded the health and safety programs composed of EDC-Mt. Apo recipients of the GKK Bronze also gave special awards Outstanding LMC and GM were recognized by the labor Geothermal Project for Industry Award for Individual Category for finalists who excelled in during the 12th National department during its 11th Category; and Engineer Joey which includes Joseph Stanley enhanced corporate viability, Convention on Labor- Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan Ortega for Individual Category. Rivera; Gilberando Soriano; and innovative strategic partnership, Management Cooperation (GKK) in . They were followed by Reszan John Baltores. and effective organizational November 21, 2019, at The The GKK is a biennial award the recipients of the GKK Other awards that were structure. Atrium, Limketkai Center, given by the labor department Silver Award for Industry bestowed were for Government CAGELCO II Labor Man- de Oro City. through its Occupational Safety Category which include Petron Category which was given to the and Health Center (OSHC) to Corporation-Rosario Terminal; National Power Corporation- companies and individuals Atlantic, Gulf and Pacific Agus 6/7 Hyrdroelectric Power who voluntarily implement Company of Manila, Inc.; SN Plant; and the Micro/Informal innovative programs on safety, Aboitiz Power-Benguet Inc. Sector Category received by the OWWA aids kin of OFW health, and environment (Ambuklao HEPP); Phil. Gold D’ Home Makers Café. programs, and in the process Processing and Refining Corp.; All regional GKK killed in car crash achieve productivity and zero and SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet champions underwent the accident in the workplace. Inc. (Binga HEPP). final judging facilitated by a THE next-of-kin of Arlyn Paul Maglaya, family welfare Labor Secretary Silvestre The GKK Silver Award was board of judges composed Nucos, one of the overseas officer, handed to Reynaldo Bello III acknowledged the also given to the awardees for of representatives from the Filipino workers who died in a Nucos and Alice Nucos the efforts of the winners in instilling Individual Category comprised Employers’ Confederation of the road accident in Singapore on cash assistance. a culture of safety and health not of Hollis Fernandez; Noel Philippines, Federation of Free December 20, 2019, received OWWA Administrator just in workplaces but also in Nocon; Joel Handugan; and Workers, Safety Organization death and burial assistance Hans Leo Cacdac , together communities. Eduardo Morales, Jr. of the Philippines, Philippine from the Overseas Workers with OWWA RWOI OIC “We are grateful of your Also recognized were the College of Occupational Welfare Administration. Director Gerardo Remorin incessant efforts in making honorees for the GKK Bronze Medicine, University of Santo OWWA Region 1’s accompanied the bereaved sure that OSH is not only an Award for Industry Category Tomas Hospital, Civil Service Emmanuel Santiago Diaz, 1 family during the repatriation supervising administrative of the remains of Arlyn. awareness campaign. It is a such as Texas Instruments Commission, National Wages officer; Marissa Naboye, social –OWWA RO1 serious institutionalization of a (Philippines), Inc.-Clark; and Productivity Commission, benefit unit head; and Khristian Panay Energy Development and the Bureau of Working Corporation; SNAP-Magat, Inc. Conditions.

dole.gov.ph PHILIPPINE LABOR December 2019 • THE REGIONS • 7 Workers claim P100-M in unpaid benefits Tisoy-hit workers CEBU CITY – Over 100 million amount of amount awarded to the form of a request for assistance, pesos monetary benefits were affected workers at Php29 Million. which will be handled by a awarded to workers under the It’s being followed closely by the SEADO, not by a hearing officer, get P63.3-M DOLE’s Single Entry Approach month of January that registered during a conference. (SEnA) program. over P24 Million in monetary “Correct usage of terminologies According to DOLE-7 Regional benefits. is very important so as not to Director Salome Siaton, the The DOLE accounted for a total confuse the clients. Under SEnA, WORKERS in the MIMAROPA with local government units monetary benefits comprised of 3,295 requests for assistance SEADOs make use of conciliation- who were affected by typhoon through their respective Public of the accumulated amount (RFAs), which were distributed and mediation as a process of Tisoy received a total of Employment Service Offices as awarded to workers who sought handled by assigned Single Entry facilitating a settlement of labor 63.3M pesos assistance from accredited co-partners who are for assistance under SEnA from Approach Desk Officers (SEADOs) and employment issues in an the Department of Labor and responsible for direct supervision January to December 2019. in the different Field Offices and inexpensive, speedy, and non- Employment and delivery of the TUPAD “As of December 2019, there Division of the Department. legalistic manner. The preferential The workers, totaling to services to the beneficiaries were 3,825 workers who bene- Director Siaton said that there use of voluntary modes of settling 14,751 from Oriental Mindoro, and to liquidate DOLE fund fited a total of P111,368,912.25 has to be some demarcation line disputes is emphasized under Occidental Mindoro, Marin- thereafter. monetary benefits under SEnA,” set in everyone’s understanding the program,” the DOLE-7 head duque, and Romblon, received Moreover, there were other she said, adding that workers’ between hearing a case and explained. the assistance through Tulong municipalities and city wherein monetary claims were mostly on conciliating and mediating a In 2019, the DOLE received Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Dis- DOLE directly administers the underpayment of wages; and non- request for assistance during a and handled a total of 3,295 RFAs. advantaged/Displaced Workers program implementation. payment of holiday pay, premium SEnA conference. Of these, around 3,292 were (TUPAD) amounting to 63.3 mil- “I’m very thankful na isa pay, overtime pay, and thirteenth- Under SEnA, she pointed out, disposed or an accomplishment lion pess. ako sa mga naging beneficiaries month pay. there is no case, yet. Hence, the of a 99.91 percent disposition rate. In exchange for P320.00 per ng TUPAD na naglinis sa ilang October 2019 tallied the biggest concerns of workers are lodged in –LSenarlo-Taniza day, the TUPAD beneficiaries facilities ng Calapan Central School performed the clearing, cleaning, na apektado ng nagdaang bagyo declogging of canals, and basic nitong December 2019. Nagkaroon repair of public infrastructure for ito sa akin ng magandang 10-20 days. pananaw dahil may mga ganitong Before the work engagement, ahensya pala ng gobyerno ang per Department Order No. 173- nagbibigay pagkakataon na kumita 17, beneficiaries were oriented at makaramdam ginhawa sa mga about the health and safety as nangangailangan na hindi namimili well as the reportorial documents ng kasarian at estado sa buhay," that should be submitted for said by Jay-R Valenzuela, a PWD processing of salaries. and one of the beneficiaries in Also, the TUPAD workers Oriental Mindoro. were enrolled for group micro- Meanwhile, Romblon has insurance with one-year 358 beneficiaries or equivalent coverage. to 1.1M to be implemented photo by DOLE MIMAROPA The program was in the first quarter of 2020. FULFILLED PROMISE. DOLE MIMAROPA Regional Director Albert Gutib (3rd from right), awards the TUPAD, or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay implemented in coordination –Emmanuel Antonio P. Portugal Jr. sa AtingDisadvantaged/Displaced Workers check for the beneficiaries in Galera through Mayor Rockey (center). Davao caps profiling of child laborers LEES for new DAVAO CITY – As part of its Davao de Oro - 1,441; Davao del provision of services to the child contribution to the nationwide Sur - 1,052; Davao Occidental- laborers is of critical importance eradication of child labor, the 1,139; and Davao Oriental - 717. in ensuring that the Child Labor businesses in Iloilo DOLE Regional Office XI has DOLE XI has already imple- Prevention and Elimination WITH THE development of employers and workers on completed the profiling of mented the process of withdraw- Program is implemented industry and service sectors the current applicable Labor working children in line with ing children from child labor by consistently and effectively in all in Iloilo, the Department Laws, Rules and Policies, pre- the target in the Philippine undertaking the guide on identi- jurisdictions,” he said. of Labor and Employment vailing minimum wage, and Development Plan (PDP) 2017- fication, profiling, needs assess- Director Agravante added Region 6, through its Iloilo the like. 2022 to reduce cases of child labor ment, referral for provision of that despite the challenges, DOLE Field Office, stepped up Over 90 owners, by 30 percent. services and monitoring and re- XI will continue in its mission of the holding of Labor and management representatives, DOLE XI has recorded 7,984 porting., reducing or eradicating child Employment Education and rank and file workers working children both profiled DOLE XI Regional Director labor in Davao Region and Seminars (LEES) in the participated in the Program and referred in 2019, exceeding Raymundo Agravante congratu- challenged the Community province. Orientations which were the target of 7,005. lated the Community Facilitators Facilitators to work as a team and The LEES covered recent held at ABC Hall, Passi City The profiling showed the who conducted the 2019 Davao work seriously to meet or surpass laws such as the new Wage (November 19); Bantayan following number of working Region profiling. the goal of “1 Milyong Batang Order No. RBVI-25 which Beach Resort, Guimbal children in the region: Davao City “The task that is given to Malaya.” –Eduardo P. Monreal took effect Nov. 16, this year; (November 21); and RC - 1,520; Davao del Norte - 2,115; you from the profiling up to the Occupational Safety and Woodland Resort, Estancia Health Law (D.O. 198-18); (November 26). Expanded Maternity Leave DOLE Region 6 reported Benefit (R.A. 11210); and, the that new sectors, particularly Wages to rise in SOCCSKSARGEN General Labor Standards with stores that cater to retail have labor inspectors of the DOLE sprung up in different localities KORONADAL CITY – Daily the need to provide workers Agriculture Sector shall be Iloilo Field Office serving as outside the city of Iloilo, thus minimum wage earners in the with immediate relief measures paid P326.00 pesos upon the the resource speakers. subsequently creating more DOLE’s Labor and Em- private sector of Region XII will to enable them to cope with the effectivity of the wage order job opportunities. –Amalia N. ployment Education Semi- soon receive a wage increase in rising cost of living considering and P336.00 effective May Judicpa nars aim to inform both the their daily basic pay amounting that the last wage adjustment 1, 2019 while workers in the to P25.00 daily which shall be was made in May 2018. Agriculture/Retail/Service given in two tranches. Under the new wage order, sector shall be paid P305.00 which their wages are paid. covered by Wage Order No. RB The wage increases are all workers in Region XII who upon the effectivity of the Order Dela Cruz said that XII – 21 after the city becomes provided by Wage Order No. are receiving the daily minimum and P315.00 effective May 1, exemptions from compliance part of the Bangsamoro RB XII-21 that was unanimously wage rate will get an increase in 2020”, he said. with the new wage order Autonomous Region in Muslim approved on 16 December their daily minimum basic pay Board Secretary Jessie Dela maybe granted to Retail/ Mindanao (BARMM) pursuant 2019 by the Regional Tripartite of P15.00 upon the effectivity Cruz added that the wage rates Service establishments to Republic Act No. 11054. Wages and Productivity Board of the Wage Order and another prescribed under the wage order regularly employing not more The National Wages and (RTWPB) XII. P10.00 effective 01 May 2020. shall apply to all minimum than 10 workers and those Productivity Commission DOLE XII Director Sisinio Director Cano explained wage workers in the private establishments affected by (NWPC) has already affirmed Cano, who is the Chairman of that the new Wage Order will sector in Region XII regardless calamities such as natural and the new wage order and is the RTWPB XII, said that the take effect fifteen days after its of their position, designation human-induced disasters. deemed effective 15-days after its decision was done motu proprio publication in a newspaper. or status of employment, and Secretary Dela Cruz said publication in a local newspaper. by the Board after determining “Workers in the Non- irrespective of the method by that Cotabato City is no longer –RAGardose

PHILIPPINE LABOR @laborandemployment • THE GOOD NEWS • From starter set to lifetime kit Ilocos posts higher SAN MARIANO, – beneficiaries to start quickly naging okey na ang buhay DOLE’s Integrated Livelihood a livelihood undertaking and naming,” she added. employment in ‘19 and Emergency Employment become self-employed. Also, Evangeline had been Program (DILEEP) Kabuhayan their engagement aims to have earning P150 per day from REGION I’s employment the region’s good economic Starter Kit package beneficiary sustainable self-employment her livelihood but now she is situation in 2019 was better performance and the effectiveness Evangeline Madduma received through easy to learn livelihood earning a minimum of P 500.00 compared to that in 2018, the of our employment facilitation a livelihood fund assistance of undertakings,” Palomar said. from her daily sales especially DOLE-Regional Office I bared. network,” he said. P10,000.00 in June 2018 from To date, Evangeline, who that she added empanada in Citing the results of the Director Lacambra disclosed the Department of Labor and is a mother of three, can now her foodstuff which is more 2019 Labor Force Survey (LFS) that some 59,047 jobseekers Employment Region 2. sustain her children’s daily than enough to provide for released by the Philippine were employed in 2019 through The fund financed her school allowances and provide their daily basic needs. She Statistics Authority, Regional the Department’s employment selling of delicacies to their them enough amount for their could even set aside little Director Nathaniel Lacambra said facilitation services. neighborhood like “ukoy and school projects and other savings which is reserved the employment rate in the region “You have done a great service maruya.” school requirements. for emergency expenses. grew by 1.5 percent from 93.2 to with your steadfast commitment Grace Pomar, DOLE-Isabela “Kung dati ang allowance She proudly said she was 94.7. to delivering decent work to our Field Office said Evangeline nila ay P10 lang sa isang araw, able to buy home appliances Unemployment, on the other clients,” he said. availed of the DOLE at ang sapatos nila sira-sira pa such, as television, sofa, and hand, eased from 6.8 to 5.3, Of those placed, 40,277 landed Kabuhayan Starter Kit Project na di kaagad nakakabili ng refrigerator from the proceeds yielding a decrease of 1.5 percent. in the private sector; while 17,897 Unemployment conditions also and 873 jobseekers were absorbed which aims to bring about kapalit noong si mister lang of her business. significantly improved from by the government and overseas improved socio-economic ang kumikita, ngayon P20 na Evangeline is now popularly 22.1. to 16.9 percent, the Regional employers, respectively. –Arly well-being of disadvantaged kada araw ang allowance nila known to the community as the Director said. Sta. Ana-Valdez with a report from or vulnerable workers in the at nakakabili na rin ng sapatos “Empanada Maker.” –Divine “Our employment gains TSSD informal economy. tuwing ika - 6 na buwan bago Grace P. Cristobal in 2019 is an indication of “The starter kit consists of pa masira at may kapalit na a package of tools or gigs and agad,” Evangeline shared. services that will enable the “Dahil sa bigay ng DOLE DOLE 7 plays 'Santa' IAS staff New ‘sleighs’ for pedicab drivers TACLOBAN CITY – For 30 informal sector workers of you. I know this will be instrumental in improving from various town in Leyte, Christmas means ‘dashing your lives. Treat these pedicabs as our early Christmas through the snow, er, roads, in brand-new pedicabs. gifts to all of you and let this inspire you to work with so best FOI officer This after the Department of Labor and Employment much heart,” said Director Centi. Regional Office VIII distributed on December 16, 2019, One of the beneficiaries, Kim Aguila, a resident of the start of Misa de Gallo, 30 new pedicabs at the DOLE Brgy. 62 Sagkahan, Tacloban City, was thankful for the by Michelle A. Domingo Training Center. livelihood grant. “For me who needs income to feed my The venture, which is under the Pedicab Livelihood family, this is really a big blessing. I now have my own ZYRA Glerica Perlora of the with FOI-PMO; provision Project implemented by DOLE-North Leyte Field Office pedicab and don’t need to rent one,” he said. Internal Audit Service was of reasonable assistance to (NLFO) headed by Bernardita Navarra, amounts to Assistant Regional Director, Amable Ildefonso Roa awarded as one of the Best the requesting party; and P613,700.00 and charged to DOLE Integrated Livelihood gave some tips to the pedicab drivers. “Dress properly Freedom of Information (FOI) belongs to an agency with a Program (DILP) funds of the office. and observe good hygiene to gain more ‘suki,’ he said. Receiving Officers by the performance rate of 90 percent Director Yahya Centi congratulated the pedicab “I hope you will be good stewards of these pedicabs so Presidential Communications and above. recipients, adding that DOLE continues to work with its that it will help you become successful. Simple things like Operations Office (PCOO) Perlora received the award commitment to contribute to poverty reduction through dressing properly and having proper hygiene can make a the vision of livelihood assistance. difference in your lives, making you dignified pedicab during the 3rd FOI (Freedom under the category of Agencies “As you receive your pedicabs, let me congratulate all drivers,” said ARD Roa. Norma Rae S. Costimiano of Information) Awards on 12 with Performance Rate of 99% December 2019. and above. The FOI-PMO honors the In the agency category, FOI Receiving Officers who DOLE was declared have efficiently and effectively champion, followed by the implemented the FOI Program Department of Social Welfare in their respective agencies. and Development as the first The winners were runner-up and the Department evaluated based on their active of Energy as the second participation in FOI activities; runner-up. consistent communication Visayas workers get P13-M claims

CITY OF TACLOBAN – P4,112,014.11 claimed by 446 settlement rate at 98.57%. Through the Single Entry workers. Director Yahya Centi thanked Approach (SEnA) Program, more The Southern Leyte Field and lauded the hard work of all than 1,000 workers received Office ranked third this year, Single Entry Approach Desk P13,093,034.71 monetary claims yielding a total of P1,175,271.71 Officers (SEADOs) in assisting in 2019. benefitted by 125 workers workers in the settlement of their The National Conciliation followed closely by the Samar claims. Mediation Board reported that the Field Office which was able to “I commend all our staff, monetary benefits were claimed facilitate P1,038,684.68 claims for especially the SEADOs for doing by 1,179 workers coming from 54 workers. a great job. I hope this will different parts of Eastern Visayas Meanwhile, the Biliran Field inspire you all the more to do with complaints mostly on wages, Office, Eastern Samar Field Office better this 2020 and surpass the 13th-month pay, overtime pay, and the Northern Samar Field best you delivered in 2019”, said holiday pay and separation pay. Office had facilitated combined Director Centi during the Year- SEnA is an administrative monetary benefits of P1,533,224.37 End Performance Assessment on approach to provide a speedy, for the benefit of 132 workers. December 18, 2019. impartial, inexpensive and All 957 Requests for Assistance Meanwhile, Alejo Labrador accessible settlement procedure (RFAs) received by DOLE RO VIII Jr. of the North Leyte Field Office for all issues or complaints for the entire 2019 were disposed was awarded as Best SEADO arising from employer-employee of. in the recent DOLE RO VIII relations to prevent them from In terms of settlement of Employees Excellence Awards ripening into full-blown disputes. RFAs, DOLE Regional Office VIII Night on December 19. SEADO Just like in the previous likewise successfully exceeded Labrador handled the most photo by PCOO year, the West Leyte Field Office the target of at least 77%. number of SENA RFAs in 2019 facilitated the highest monetary Over-all, DOLE Region VIII and facilitated the processing of BEST FOI OFFICER. Zyra Gleria Perlora of the Internal Audit Service receives the Best FOI claims of P5,233,839 benefitting garnered a settlement rate of 88%, more than P1.8 million monetary Officer award from Presidential Communications Operations Office Assistant Secretary 422 workers followed by the with the Southern Leyte Field claims. –Norma Rae S. Costimiano Michel Kristian Ablan. North Leyte Field Office with Office contributing the highest