PH, UAE ink Bogus P30M for pact on OFW nursing jobs Marawi protection in Germany workers photo: Philippine Star photo: Abante News Online P5 P5 P7 BAN ON HIGH HEELS GETS GLOBAL CHEERS The government’s prohibition on the compulsory use of high-heeled shoes by women employees in workplaces draws global attention, citing the country as among the first to adopt the policy on a national scale to protect women workers.

Salarium HK spells out benefits| PH 1st to adopt national policy – The Telegraph | Compliance high in Metro P2

WORKERS’ SAFETY. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, together with US Labor Dep’t lauds Undersecretary Dominador Say, presents to the media the women worker- More OFWs friendly flat shoes compared to health-risk high-heeled footwear. anti-child labor feat P7 coming home ‘Endo’ drive on-track P2 P2

PLDT ordered: Regularize

9k workers photo: DOLE Regional Office No. 4A CHILD LABOR-FREE TOWN. From left to right, Angono Mayor Gerry Calderon, Region IV-A P4 Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita, and BWSC Division Chief Maribeth Casin welcome U.S. Department of Labor officials Monika Hartsel and Rommel Calderwood.

DU30s gift to OFWs

‘ANTI-ENDO’ CAMPAIGN. DOLE Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod updates members of media on the growing number of regularized workers in the iDOLE ID launched country through the government’s intensified campaign against illegal P2 forms of contractualization.

Year One: Employment facilitation up P2

MSMEs competitiveness enhanced P4

.5-M informal workers avail assistance P4

photo: Presidential Photographers Division

UNIQUE ID FOR OFWs. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, together with Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, National Security Adviser and Director General , Jr., and ACTS-OFW Partylist Congressman Aniceto Bertiz III, hands Over 1M benefit from over the iDOLE OFW ID to Katrina Angelica Mateo, an OFW based in New Zealand as Events and Wedding Manager, during the soft launching of the unique ID Card for OFWs at the AFP Commission Officers Club, Camp Aguinaldo. OSSCOs P8 2 PHILIPPINE LABOR |July-September 2017 Year One: DU30s gift to OFWs Employment facilitation up By Althea Louise D. Majan iDOLE ID launched nto the full year of the Duterte administration, the government uidelines are being before it can serve as the exemptions. went high gear in facilitating the meeting of employers and job- crafted for overseas OFW’s automated Overseas “With the OFW ID, our Bagong Iseekers through job fairs, and developed a job-ready workforce GFilipinos workers to be Employment Certificate (OEC), Bayani will no longer need to through its youth employment programs. able to avail of the iDOLE ID and airport and immigration ID fall in line in transacting with The beneficiaries include the over 140,000 jobseekers who were card, considered the best gift pass. government and private agencies hired-on-the-spot during job fairs; the 1.8 million applicants who that President Also, OFWs can later log-in and for their overseas employment as found jobs through the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs); can give to OFWs. create an account in the iDOLE. they can now access the services and the more than 220,000 youth who were assisted with their school- Launched last July, the iDOLE ph or the iDOLE One-Stop online,” Secretary Silvestre Bello to-work transition. ID will provide millions of Online Facility/Portal, currently III said. “We are optimistic in our employment situation. Our collective ef- OFWs easy access to government being upgraded, for the OFWs to The iDOLE system is aimed to forts resulted in what the latest Labor Force Survey indicated as de- and private agencies on access their government records interlink the databases of DOLE cline in the unemployment and underemployment rates in the coun- matters concerning overseas electronically without the need offices and agencies with other try. We need to sustain our efforts to strengthen decent work gains employment. to go to concerned government government agencies for a more and address the remaining employment challenges,”Secretary Silves- The OFW ID, a major offices. reliable, updated and complete tre Bello said. component of the Integrated The ID will serve as the travel Labor Market Information From July 2016 to May 2017, DOLE conducted 1,864 nationwide job Department of Labor and exit clearance of OFWs for System (LMIS) for employment fairsattended by 769,354 jobseekers. Additionally, 21 more nationwide Employment (iDOLE) System two years from the date of the facilitation purposes. –Abegail V. job fairs in commemoration of the 119th Proclamation of Philippine is undergoing pilot run issuance and it will entitle them De Vega Independence were held. to travel tax and terminal fee To further promote employment and entrepreneurship at the lo- cal level, job fairs were made components of the Trabaho,Negosyo at Kabuhayan initiative of DOLE and the Department of Trade and In- dustry (DTI). More OFWs coming home Through the PESOs, DOLE referred for placement a total of 2.18 ore stranded and undocumented and the others may have found new employers million qualified jobseekers, and 83 percent, or 1.80 million of them overseas Filipino workers are expected and decided to stay in the Middle East. were employed. to be repatriated by the government He encouraged the remaining stranded and As of date, there are already 458 institutionalized PESOs, which M with the extended amnesty period given by undocumented OFWs to take advantage of the provide job search assistance, career guidance, labor market informa- Saudi Arabia. amnesty extension because Saudi authorities will tion, and job matching and referral at the local government level. Undersecretary Dominador Say said 600 more immediately commence their crack-down as soon To provide employment opportunities to the Filipino youth, the stranded and undocumented OFWs in the Arab as the amnesty program is over. Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), implements the Special Program country remain to be repatriated. “Some OFWs choose to stay, stressing that they for Employment of Students (SPES), the Government Internship Pro- “We continue our efforts in processing the could still work for at least a month and save money gram (GIP), and the JobStart Program. travel documents of our stranded OFWs in Saudi. before going back home. Others are not eligible for A total of 195,638 poor but deserving students, out-of-school youth, We urge them to take advantage of the amnesty the amnesty, such as those with absconding cases, and dependents of displaced workers were given the opportunity extension and immediately avail of the amnesty and other violations. For those eligible OFWs, we to continue their education through SPES–an employment-bridging grant and the government will take care of the urge them to register and let the government bring program aimed at providing beneficiaries with short-term job oppor- repatriation process,” Say said. them back home,” he added. tunities during summer and/or Christmas vacation or any time of the He added that around 400 more OFWs who Say meantime expressed hope the amnesty year. recently registered to avail of the grant, may program will be extended further by the Saudi Meanwhile, 26,073 Filipino college graduates were provided with have bought their own plane tickets back to the government so that more OFWs can be brought internship experience in the government through GIP. Philippines because their visa will expire soon home by the government. –Peter Paul R. Ang The DOLE has also provided young not in employment, education, or training (NEET) with employment facilitation services through the JobStart program. P2.6-B in cases settled ‘Endo’ drive on-track By Abegail V. De Vega he labor department has SPC Power Corporation which strikes/lockouts were also By Peter Paul R. Ang shepherd the award of netted a P130 million economic settled from the 228 cases P2.68 billion in collective package for its 96 workers. handled which resulted to ore than 60,000 workers They will join the existing 541 T bargaining benefits and other A total of 34,220 out of P1.296 billion package to 8,543 were regularized in LLCOs who conduct assessment monetary gains to 57,127 48,669 cases handled were workers. Mthe first few months and inspection of around 937,554 workers involved in 34,698 cases settled through the Single Bello noted the active of the government’s anti-endo small, medium and big business in the first year of the Duterte Entry Approach (SEnA), which role of Labor Management campaign, Undersecretary Joel establishments in the country. administration. benefited 45,874 workers with Cooperation (LMCs) and Maglunsod has reported. Maglunsod expects the number “Alternative dispute resolution economic package amounting Grievance Machineries (GM) Maglunsod said the labor of regularized workers to is our strategy to ensure speedy P1.311 billion. in companies that helped in department has intensified increase after the deputization of delivery of labor justice. We are On preventive mediation resolving disputes through efforts to ensure workers’ some members of labor groups, relentless in having a lasting (PM), the National Conciliation the promotion of good labor- security of tenure and protection unions, and non-government atmosphere of industrial peace and Mediation Board settled management relations. following the directives of organizations to augment the and harmony through fast 420 cases from the 531 it “We will continue our President Rodrigo Duterte. LLCOs who are tasked to conduct settlement of labor disputes,” handled which resulted in efforts to further bolster ADR “Our president is eager to labor inspections, particularly Secretary Silvestre Bello III said. P81.539 million in monetary mechanisms to strengthen our grant Filipino workers utmost in areas with high level of non- Among the major labor awards to 2,710 workers. goal to ensure stable and just protection that the government compliance. disputes settled include Kepco A total of 140 notices of industrial climate,” he said. can give -- security of tenure, self-organization and other social benefits. So far, we are reaching our goal to regularize the employment of workers in the private sector,” he said. He cited a report from the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) stating that a total of 63,752 Filipino workers have already been regularized by their employers from August 2016 – July 2017 through the intensified inspection of business establishment nationwide. Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued last March Department Order No. 174 which prohibits sub-contracting and other illegal forms of contractualization. To complement the ranks of compliance officers, DOLE will be hiring 200 new Labor Laws DTI-DOLE REGIONAL DIRECTORS’ JOINT ASSEMBLY. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez pose with DTI and DOLE officials during the Regional Directors’ Compliance Officers (LLCO). Joint Assembly for the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) initiative, which aims to further promote employment and entrepreneurship at the local level. July-September 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 3 Ban on high heels High compliance gets global cheers with new policy in NCR By Teephanie D. Laderas he government’s prohi- health and safety benefits of The British Daily Telegraph, bition on the compulsory Department Order 178 issued among London’s top ajority of retail must have adequate cushion Tuse of high-heeled by Labor Secretary Silvestre publications, reported how establishments in and support to the arch of the shoes by women employees Bello III on August 25. the ban fares better than the the National Capital feet. in workplaces drew global In the September 7 edition M one adopted in Canadian Region are compliant with the The same DO also set other attention, citing the country of its online publication, province of British Columbia policy on the use of comfortable safety and health measures that as among the first to adopt Salarium said: “As HR leaders, last April. footwear, one of the measures to establishments must strictly the policy on a national scale we take delight in seeing pro- Compliance with the new address the risks of prolonged observe to include provision to protect women workers. employee policies see the light policy was high, an assessment standing at work. of rest breaks for workers, The Hongkong-based payroll of day – especially when those inspection conducted in In a report, the DOLE including the presence of management company, policies promote health and Metro Manila establishments NCR regional office said its accessible seats; installation of Salarium, spelled out the safety in the workplace...” showed. field officials inspected 2,617 appropriate floorings or mats establishments and found 2,011 for the workplace, and tables or of them already complying work surfaces with adjustable with the order against the heights. compulsory use of high heeled DO 178 is meant to address shoes for women employees. occupational health and safety Department Order 178 directs concerns related to the wearing establishments to allow women of high-heeled shoes for women workers to wear appropriate employees and prolonged and well-fitting footwear in the standing at work. workplace. It covers workers in retail and The order prescribes that the service industries; assembly footwear must not pinch the lines; teachers, and security feet or toes and non-slipping. It personnel. also provides that the footwear

Ma. Teresita S. Cucueco, M.D. Director IV Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC)

“If the muscles have been overloaded DOLE METROWIDE INSPECTION ON COMPLIANCE TO D.O. 178. DOLE National Capital Region Labor Law Compliance Officer (LLCO) Eduvigis Acero measures the high-heeled shoes (inset) of one of the sales clerks of a mall in Metro Manila during DOLE’s simultaneous inspection of establishments’ because of the prolonged standing position, compliance with Department Order No. 178. there will be a burden on our back as well as on our legs. There will be pain because ...How it protects female employees of fatigue. What will be affected here are the joints, the musculoskeletal system. By Salarium It can cause some problems in the spine, he new regulation defines one prone to muscle strain and foot, usually between the base in the lower legs, and in the end, if this “high heels” as shoes with fatigue. of the third and fourth toes). is not properly corrected, one can have narrow and pointed heels (How DOLE’s New Ban on Forced T arthritis and other related musculoskeletal taller than 1 inch. Toughening and shortening Wearing of High Heels Protects Theend goal is to protect of the Achilles Tendon Female Employees. https://www. disorders,” millions of women (particularly Frequent wearing of high salarium.com/2017/09/07/how- those who work as sales ladies, heels can also take its toll on doles-ban-forced-wearing-high- On the attendant health issues of prolonged standing, promodisers, waitresses, and the Achilles tendon, a flexible heels-protects-female-employees/) particularly while wearing high-heeled shoes in the workplace flight attendants) from the tissue that helps the feet lie flat health and safety risks caused or point. The tendon tightens up by everyday wearing of high and shortens, causing the back heels. But what are these health of the heel to ache once put into and safety risks in the first place? flat shoes. An clinical physiology ...Companies banned from forcing women How exactly does the new DOLE expert points out that such a By The Telegraph rule benefit and protect female change can also reduce the employees? ankle’s range of motion, making he Philippines has he believed the Philippines compelled to wear high-heeled one more susceptible to strains banned companies from is the first country to impose shoes in the workplace, nor DOLE’s New Rule Protects and sprains. Tforcing female employees a nationwide ban after the be deprived of a short span of Women from Health to wear high heels at work, in a Canadian province of British sitting breaks to prevent health and Safety Risks Displacement of the spine move lauded by a labour union Columbia issued a similar order risks,” according to the order. Numerous health research and the head and other that said it was one of the first in April. The department said articles show that women who health problems countries in the world to do so Campaigners have argued prolonged standing while frequently wear high-heeled Health specialists say that to protect women’s rights. dress codes that require female wearing high heels will not only footwear are likely to suffer wearing high heels can also Citing health and safety employees to wear make up or cause pain and fatigue, but can from serious postural problems. cause the flattening of the lumbar issues, the Philippines’ labour high heels at work are sexist also lead to problems in the These problems affect not just spine, as well as the posterior department said companies can and discriminatory. spine and joints. the muscles and bones in the displacement of the thoracic no longer compel women to The British government in The practice of ordering feet; they also impact the knees, spine and the head. One research wear high heels…. April rejected a recommendation women to wear high heels pelvis, spine, and sometimes study concluded that it also puts “This frees women from a from lawmakers to outlaw such is widespread across the even the head. a great deal of force on one’s sexist policy and the bondage of practice, after saying existing Philippines, especially in kneecaps, paving the way for the unsafe and dangerous working laws were adequate to deal with industries such as retail, Muscle strain and fatigue early onset of osteoarthritis. conditions,” said Alan Tanjusay gender discrimination. restaurants, airlines and hotels. For starters, the body gets That’s not even mentioning of the Associated Labor Unions- The Philippine government’s Some 1 million Filipina forced out of its natural the long list of foot problems Trade Union Congress of the order said companies must women who are employed as alignment whenever one wears one can get from squeezing the Philippines. allow women to wear practical sales assistants will benefit from high heels. The hips and the feet into pointy-toed high heels: “(It) gives them more and comfortable footwear, and the policy change, according spine become abnormally flexed hammertoes (bent and weakened freedom and businesses will be cannot compel them to wear to the union. (http://www. and bent forward. In order to toes), bunions (bony bumps at more productive,” he told the shoes higher than one inch (2.5 telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/25/ make up for this lack of balance, the base of the big toe), calluses, Thomson Reuters Foundation cm). philippines-bans-companies- the calf, hip, and lower-back and Morton’s neuroma (swelling by phone from Manila. “Women, such as salesladies forcing-women-wear-high-heels- muscles become tense, making of nerve tissues in the ball of the The union spokesman said and lady guards, should not be work/) 4 PHILIPPINE LABOR |July-September 2017

“One Takeaway for HR Leaders”

n the end, it’s a relief that DOLE issued a rule that genuinely protects women from health and safety hazards. If there’s one thing about leadership that this milestone teaches us, it’s Editor-in-Chief | GERRY S. RUBIO Ithat even long-standing workplace rules and policies have to be rethought and challenged, especially if they compromise our health and well-being. (Salarium) Managing Editor | ALTHEA LOUISE D. MAJAN

Senior Writers | ABEGAIL V. DE VEGA | TEEPHANIE D. LADERAS Foreign Commentary PETER PAUL R. ANG Contributing Writers | DIANA JOYZ ESGUERRA, NCR | PATRICK RILLORTA, CAR ARLY STA. ANA-VALDEZ, RO1 | GERARDO NICOLAS, RO2 JEREMIAH BORJA, RO3 | FRANZ RAYMOND AQUINO, RO4-A Endo without end LORERA CATAPANG, RO4-B | RAYMOND ESCALANTE, RO5 AMALIA JUDICPA, RO6 | LUCHEL TANIZA, RO7 s a presidential candidate, third-party hiring entirely would workers hired by the company, with VIRGILIO DOROJA, RO8 | GAY IRIS TANGCALAGAN, RO9 Rodrigo Duterte had require action from Congress, Mr benefits, not temporary workers MILDRED DABLIO, RO10 | KRIZTJA MARAE LABRADOR, RO11 Astrong views about Bello explained. hired through staffing agencies. Mr KATHLEEN TURNOS, RO12 | OLGA VIRGINIA DEORATE, CARAGA “contractualisation” and “endo” According to the most recent Magtubo says he is willing to help —big firms’ habit of hiring data (from 2014), around 30% the president draft an executive Creative Artist | GREGORIO I. GALMAN | VERONICA C. CASIL employees indirectly, via temping of Philippine workers are on order to end contractualisation, and agencies, often on renewable five- temporary contracts. They include that it could be done within three Photographers | JOMAR S. LAGMAY | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ month contracts. He agreed with apprentices and people hired for months. “But if there’s no action labour activists that corporate seasonal or project-based work such on the part of the president,” he giants use these practices to avoid as construction labourers. That is warns, “we’re open to mass actions Circulation Manager | GIRLIE MARLYN E. ARCE providing health care and other in line with some rich countries to pressure him.” benefits, and said they should that have highly regulated labour Businesses remain worried. One Circulation Assistants | MADELYN D. DOMETITA | ALEJANDRO P. ECHAVEZ be banned. Indeed, he promised markets: around 30% of Spanish representative of a big conglomerate RANDY F. FERNANDEZ to lean on Congress to ban workers are on fixed-term contracts, says that a ban would cause firms contractualisation in the first week for example. Sacking workers with to hire fewer people. They are also Editorial Consultant | RAUL M. FRANCIA of his presidency. “Pay the benefits,” open-ended contracts is difficult in likely to pass on higher costs to he growled on the campaign trail. the Philippines. their customers. That would trim “Don’t wait for me to catch you Labour groups accept that some the spending power of Filipino The PHILIPPINE LABOR is published by the because I will be unforgiving. You jobs demand some flexibility. But consumers, the engine of the Department of Labor and Employment will not only lose your money, you about half of temporary workers economy, in two different ways. with editorial office at the will lose your pants.” are hired through labour agencies— But the Employers’ Confederation Information and Publication Service Over a year into Mr Duterte’s term, and therein, say activists, lies the of the Philippines can live with the 3rd Floor, DOLE Building, Intramuros, Manila. employers remain clothed. In March potential for abuse. Rene Magtubo, labour secretary’s order in March. Silvestre Bello, Mr Duterte’s labour a spokesman for Nagkaisa, a The organisation predicts that secretary, signed an order that sets Philippine labour coalition, contends hiring will increase despite it. In the stricter guidelines about when firms that jobs that are “necessary and long run, that may do more for Mr can hire temporary workers through desirable” to a company’s core Duterte’s popularity. employment agencies. But banning business should be filled by regular

This is an abridged article that appeared in the Asia section of The Economist print edition under the headline -Endo without end- Readers’ queries, comments, and suggestions are welcome. https://www.economist.com/news/asia/21725616-may-be-good-countrys-economy-workers-will-not-thank-him-philippines Mail or fax them in, or call us at telephone numbers 527-3000 loc. 620, 621, 622, 623, 625, 626, 627. Our fax number is 527-3446. You may also visit our website: MSMEs www.dole.gov.ph; .5-M informal workers or e-mail us at [email protected]. competitiveness avail assistance enhanced By Teephanie D. Laderas he government has ore workers in the informal sector were provided with greater equipped micro, access to the livelihood and emergency employment programs PLDT ordered: Tsmall, and medium Mof the government, particularly the labor department’s enterprises (MSMEs) with Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). knowledge and skills on Through this program, about 423,975 workers in the informal sector Regularize 9k workers productivity to enhance their were provided with assistance. DILEEP is a special program to protect competitiveness. vulnerable workers from risks and contingencies arising out of crisis, By Abegail V. De Vega This was made possible shocks or disaster. through the National Wages Early this year, assistance to individual beneficiaries was raised to elecom giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone and Productivity Commission P20,000from P10,000 under its livelihood component. Also program Co. (PLDT) has been ordered to regularize close to (NWPC) and the Regional beneficiaries were provided with basic health tools and accessories, 9,000 of its contractual employees. Tripartite Wages and Productivity such as gloves, mask, hairnet, apron and others for food-related T Boards (RTWPB) which, aside In a compliance order issued by the labor department’s livelihood projects. NCR office, PLDT and its 45 contractors were directed from setting minimum wages The number of workers assisted for the first 10 months represented in the regions, assisted MSMEs to immediately give regular employment status to 8,720 the beneficiaries assisted under the DILEEP’s two component program, in implementing productivity employees who are under contracting and subcontracting the Livelihood or Kabuhayan, and the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa im-provement programs via the arrangements but are performing jobs that are directly Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers, or TUPAD. NWPC Productivity Toolbox. related to its business. Under the Kabuhayan Program, about 98,358 from the total Productivity orientations were The order, which was based on the findings of the worker-beneficiaries were provided with access to livelihood and conducted among 11,781 MSMEs Special Assessment or Visit of Establishment (SAVE), entrepreneurship programs. attended by 25,321 participants; also mandated PLDT and 47 of its contractors to pay These include Starter Kit or Negosyo sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) and and productivity trainings were monetary claims including overtime pay, holiday grants to cover the purchase of equipment, tools and raw materials. provided to 3,883 MSMEs par- pay, 13th month pay, service incentive leave pay, and Other assistance is in the form of capacity building interventions, such ticipated in by 10,103 workers. unauthorized deductions amounting to P77.5 million to as training on entrepreneurship skills, organizational development and The productivity toolbox makes 2,500 contractors’ employees. productivity, and safety and health. use of the ladderized approach, and Some of the violations noted in the order include For the TUPAD program component, some 325,617 workers benefited includes basic training on concepts non-compliance with Department Order No. 18-A as only from the emergency employment scheme that provides cash-for-work on productivity, values, working 40 out of 91 contractors were registered with DOLE while conditions, and basic business for displaced workers and other vulnerable workers for a minimum of others were either unregistered or with expired licenses. systems. It also implements inter- 10 days to a maximum of 30 days. Also, 35 of its contractors do not have substantial mediate training on application The emergency workers received minimum wage, social insurance of productivity technologies amounting to P65,000 for accidental death/disability, medical capital and the employees use the principal’s equipment based on the needs of enterprises reimbursement, and bereavement assistance for added protection. and tools in the performance of the outsourced services. for further improvement; and Other findings include non-compliance with the advanced training which requires Occupational Safety and Health Standards as the company’s Mandated under RA 6727 or the training programs for MSMEs and enterprises to be deeply involved contractors lack personal protective equipment (PPE) such Wage Rationalization Act and RA their workforce. and innova-tive as it covers all as harness, hard hat, safety shoes, and warning devices; 6971 or the Productivity Incentives Companies which are interested aspects of a company’s operation lack of trained safety personnel, OSH nurse, trained Act, the NWPC formulates policies to avail of the training programs and supply chain. first-aider and DOLE accredited practitioner; non- and guidelines on wages, incomes and technical assistance may Enterprises which have success- presentation of OSH policies, and non-submission of and productivity and exercises apply at the NWPC or RTWPB fully implemented productivity OSHS administrative reports. technical and administrative offices in their respective localities improvement programs (PIPs) supervision over the 17 RTWPBs. or visit the NWPC website at But PLDT was found compliant with general labor and have continuously adopted Meanwhile, the RTWPBs are www.nwpc.dole.gov.ph. (Althea standards, providing benefits to its organic employees pro-ductivity technologies are tasked to set regional minimum Louise D. Majan) more than what the law requires. qualified to join the Productivity wages and conduct productivity Olympics. July-September 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 5 Overseas Bogus nursing jobs in Germany

he Philippine Overseas Employment TAdministration has warned jobseekers looking for overseas job against supposed job openings for healthcare professionals in Germany. This following reports that a certain “MeineAgentur 24” has been recruiting nurses and other healthcare professionals for jobs in the European state through its Facebook and website. A series of validation found MeineAgentur 24’s job postings to be non-existent. The Philippine Embassy in SIGNING OF ASEAN JOINT STATEMENT. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (in barong) signs the joint statement on occupational safety and health adopted by ASEAN Labor Ministers during the 21st Berlin also reported that the World Congress on Safety and Health at Work 2017 held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. The conference aimed to inculcate a mindset that all injuries and ill-health arising from said recruiter does not appear in work are preventable. It called for a paradigm shift at every level of an organization to focus on finding solutions to prevent injuries and ill-health. In order to attain this vision, the conference required the commitment from all stakeholders across all levels in the workforce. the online registry of businesses in that country.The company listed its address in Leipzig, ASEAN vows improved safety, health at work Germany. MeineAgentur 24 is likewise By Althea Louise D. Majan not in the POEA database of legitimate accredited foreign INGAPORE – Labor to protect the safety, health, to enhance data collection, and workers’ organizations; and employers. ministers of the Association and welfare of workers in the improve private sector OSH increase collaboration with key The website and Facebook Sof Southeast Asian Nations ASEAN region by developing capability and productivity, partners such as the International page of MeineAgentur 24 were (ASEAN) vowed to mobilize and regularly reviewing OSH and reduce the social costs of Labour Organization (ILO) reportedly posting advertise- resources of member-states to legislation, building OSH injury and illness by improving and the Plus Three Countries ments of hiring and accepting raise international and national inspection capabilities and the respective countries’ OSH composed of China, Japan, and applicants for nursing and cooperation and initiatives to capacities, and strengthening performance. South Korea. healthcare jobs and offer a improve occupational safety risk management capabilities of Recognizing that the task The ASEAN Senior Labour course for nursing staff to and health (OSH) in the region. member countries. requires collective effort, the Officials Meeting (SLOM), At the conclusion of the 21st Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello ASEAN member states also prepare them for employment with the support of ASEAN World Congress on Safety and III represented the Philippines committed to promote the sharing Occupational Safety and Health in Germany. Health at Work in Singapore, in the congress. of experiences, best practices, and Network (ASEAN-OSHNET), The company was said to be labor ministers of the At the OSH congress, the knowledge in OSH; encourage was tasked to implement the charging applicants €5,425 to 10-member ASEAN declared ASEAN labor ministers pledged the participation of employers’ commitments in the statement. cover the cost of studying the German language and nursing school training. The recruiter also reportedly require applicants to acquire and shoulder their own visa and asked to deposit €5,360 PH, UAE ink pact on OFW in a bank account to cover the cost of their 20-month stay in Germany, including expenses protection for food, accommodation, clothing, and transportation. he government scored victory in of information on laws, policies, norms, The POEA is reminding promoting the welfare of migrant cultures, and practices in the country and overseas jobseekers not to fall Tworkers following an agreement in UAE. This includes effective verification victims to illegal recruiters photo: OFWLife.ph with the United Arab Emirates enhancing of job offers and contracts, and assistance to the cooperation of the two countries for the by applying only through the POEA WARNS JOBSEEKERS. The POEA has OFWs in distress by the embassy, consulate, Triple Win Project or with warned healthcare professionals looking for protection of overseas Filipino workers. and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office licensed Philippine recruitment job openings in Germany not to fall victim to In a Memorandum of Understanding on (POLO). illegal recruiters by applying only through the agencies. –POEA Report Labor Cooperation, both countries agreed For its part, the UAE government shall Triple Win Project or with licensed Philippine to strengthen friendly relations through recruitment agencies. ensure enforcement and implementation of cooperative undertakings that promote the employment contract and uphold the mutual benefit and provide adequate rights of OFWs. In the UAE legal system, protection to OFWs. there is a Labor Code and Law on Domestic Illicit sexual relations The agreement was signed by Labor Workers that enumerate the rights and Secretary Silvestre Bello III and UAE Minister entitlements of workers, including OFWs. taboo in UAE, of Human Resources SaqrGhobash in Abu The MOU includes an Annex on the Dhabi recently. Protocol on Domestic Workers that POEA warns The key areas of cooperation involve highlights recruitment and admission of collaborative administration of the contract OFW domestic workers to the UAE, in ex outside marriage is Dubai reported that a number employment cycle including the use of accordance with the laws and regulations a crime in the United of expatriate couples, including information technology and exchange of of both countries. Arab Emirates (UAE), Filipinos, are now behind bars information, strengthening regulations to Among the rights guaranteed under the S combat trafficking in persons, and regulation Protocol, through a Standard Employment the Philippine Overseas for violations of this nature. Employment Administration The Consulate has received of recruitment agencies to enforce fair and Contract under newly-approved UAE (POEA) warned Filipino workers numerous requests for transparent recruitment practices. Law on Domestic Workers, are: treatment in the Arab state. repatriation from Filipinos in “Transparency to address contract of the worker that preserves personal In a news advisory, POEA said Dubai and Northern Emirates substitution, among others, will be addressed dignity and physical safety; due payment single women and men who are who have children out of by this agreement,” Secretary Silvestre Bello and non-withholding of wages; 12 hours in a relationship and have plans wedlock. They believe that the III Bello said. of daily rest; one full day of weekly rest; to live together should first get Consulate can simply endorse Under the MOU, an identical job offer decent accommodation; medical treatment; married so they can live in the them to Dubai Immigration and eventual employment contract will be retention of identity documents such as Emirates as husband and wife. without having them detained. signed by officials of the Philippines and UAE passports; and non-payment of costs for Being a Muslim country Unfortunately, immorality is not governments. “This will ensure the effective repatriation. governed by the Sharia Law, the negotiable under the UAE penal implementation of the contract,” Bello said. “With the MOU, OFWs in the UAE will UAE considers living together system. The MOU provides that the Philippine have stronger protection, and the firm without the benefit of marriage as Pregnancies and childbirth government shall ensure observance assurance from both governments that illegal and is punishable by three outside marriage carry a of recruitment laws, procedures, and protection will be the first order of the day,” to six months imprisonment and punishment of six months in jail, regulations, including physical and mental Bello said. (ILAB Report) eventual deportation. deportation, and a lifetime ban. fitness of workers, as well as the provision The Philippine Consulate in –POEA Report 6 PHILIPPINE LABOR |July-September 2017 The Agencies OWWA hikes livelihood assistance Employment gains noted – ILS he economy recorded employment gains in public administration, Amount doubled construction, manufacturing, and IT-BPM related sectors, according Tto the latest survey on the country’s workforce. Citing results of the July 2017 Labor Force Survey, the Institute for Labor he government has to entrepreneurs and small “The essence of the program is Studies also reported some decent work gains, particularly in terms of doubled the amount of businessmen. TESDA and to teach OFWs to be their ‘own generating quality employment. Tlivelihood assistance the Department of Trade and bosses,’ since the businesses The LFS, conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority, indicated that extended to distressed and Industry are on hand to equip will be their own. They should while employment contracted by 1.9 percent year-on-year (from 40.954 repatriated overseas Filipino them with the needed skills, he be able to sustain and make million in July 2016 to 40.170 million in July 2017), underemployment rate workers, the Overseas Workers added. it as their primary means notably eased to 16.3 percent from 17.4 percent over the same period. Welfare Administration The program was initially a of livelihood. Hopefully, The share of vulnerable employment also declined to 32.9 percent from (OWWA) reported in July. non-cash livelihood assistance our OFWswill transform 35.3 percent. However, these improvements may be due to contraction of It said the OWWA board package of entrepreneurial themselves into successful sectors with a high share of vulnerable workers such as agriculture, and approved the increase from training and provision of a entrepreneurs,” Cacdac said. wholesale and retail trade. P10,000 to P20,000 to enhance ‘starter kit’ worth P10,000.00. But The program is for returning Labor force participation also continued to decline (from 63.2 percent in the assistance program called the in order to hasten the process active or inactive OWWA July 2016 to 60.6 percent in July 2017) for the third consecutive quarter. This is due to the big number of young people studying under K-12, and more “BalikPinas, BalikHanapbuhay” of reintegration, the support memberswho were displaced females opting out of the labor force due to family and household. for displaced OFWs. The board component was converted to by hostilities or wars/ The LFS is conducted to capture the information that describe the is chaired by the labor secretary. cash assistance that includes political conflicts; victims of employment situation of persons of working age (15 years and over) within OWWA administrator Hans skills training to develop the illegal recruitment or human a given period. Leo Cacdac said the program business and management trafficking or other distressful Conducted in four rounds every year (January, April, July, and October), was meant to help OFWs in their capabilities of OFWs. situations; and OWWA- LFS covers a sample size of 44,000 households in 18 regions nationwide. reintegration and temporary Aside from cash assistance, members who were employed The LFS provides the official measures/statistics on the levels and trends relief as they venture into other beneficiaries are referred to by foreign employers beset of employment, unemployment, and underemployment for the country. means of income. DTI and otheragencies to with financial difficulties. The main data sets of the LFS are the working-age population, labor force, Cacdac also said the program improve their marketing skills –Peter Paul R. Ang employment, and unemployment. The data sets can be classified according is designed to encourage and strategies to sustain their to sex, industry, class of worker, age, and educational attainment. They can returning OFWs to transition livelihood. also be broken down by region. –Rei Alba, ILS

DOLE’S LIVELIHOOD PROGRAMS. Assistant Secretary Ma. Gloria Tango OSHC now accredits safety discusses DOLE’s livelihood programs which are being practitioners, evaluators implemented by the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns he authority to evaluate and accredit all safety practitioners (BWSC) such as Kabuhayan and heavy equipment testing operators in the country has been para sa Magulang ng Batang transferred to the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Manggagawa (KASAMA), T effective September 7, it was announced recently. Youth Entrepreneurship Development, and Negosyo The move was intended to further ensure prevention and reduction sa Kariton (Nego-Kart) of work hazards and enforce mandatory safety and health standards in during the launching of workplaces. Kilos SAMBAYANAN or In Administrative Order No. 407, the functions of evaluation, Kilos para sa Sampung approval, and issuance of certificate of accreditation of Occupational Batayang Pangangailangan Safety and Health (OSH) Practitioners and Testing Organization for in Delpan, Binondo, Manila. Undersecretary Construction Heavy Equipment (CHE) will no longer be exercised by Joel Maglunsod, along with the Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) and the regional offices of representatives of other DOLE. government agencies, Pursuant to the AO, Secretary Silvestre Bello III mandated OSHC attended the event which was to develop and issue the guidelines and manual of procedures for spearheaded by the National the accreditation, and the uniform and controlled certificates to OSH Anti-Poverty Commission. (Photo by Dodong Echavez, Practitioners and Testing Organization for CHE. IPS) OSHC is also tasked to monitor their performance and provide advanced training and other technical assistance for capability enhancement. –Abegail V. De Vega

The Regions Palawan workers get P7M aid Internship helps lick unemployment By Anna Dominique Magbanua By Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez demonstrated a positive work are now deployed in LGUs and UERTO PRINCESA Kabuhayan Association with attitude and impressive abilities government agencies, while – Groups of informal P478,236; and the Panahian ng AN FERNANDO, La Union during her internship at the LGU Central and Eastern Pworkers here were granted mga Kababaihan - Golden Hope – Geraldine Mendoza, a of Sual, so that when a job for HR Pangasinan have 463 and 189 recently with P7 million worth of Association with P497,960. S22-year-old resident of Assistant was offered by SMC, the interns, respectively. On the livelihood assistance to augment Three associations in food Macaycayawan, Sual, Pangasinan, Public Employment Service Office other hand, IlocosNorte has 359; the income of their more than 700 and meat processing were also is on her way to fulfilling her (PESO) Manager did not have Ilocos Sur has 301, and La Union members and their families. provided livelihood assistance. dreams after serving as intern at second thoughts on recommending has 141 GIP participants. Recipients of the assistance P999,600 went to Kaakbayan the municipal government in 2016 Geraldine for the job. Regional Director Nathaniel were 11 workers’ associations, Pig Farming & Pork Processing under the Government Internship Now, she represents the Lacambra said the GIP is an according to the MIMAROPA Association; P304,045 to Bancao Program (GIP). company in job fairs in which it employment program of the regional office of the labor Bancao Meat Processing Through the GIP, Geraldine was participates. DOLE which aims to attract the department. Association; and P390,664 to able to enhance her communication “I am so grateful that I have been brightest and most talented to “DOLE’s livelihood assistance WPDL Meat Processing with skills, boost her confidence and chosen to become a beneficiary pursue a career in public service will help our workers to transform Piggery and Goat Raising learn people skills, she told this of the GIP. The program led to by engaging youth aged 18-25 as writer in an interview. their livelihood projects into Association. many opportunities,” Geraldine interns in government agencies It was the program that served sustainable businesses, which The Sta. Lourdes-Hobay said, adding that she hopes or LGUs. as the key for her to land in her will supplement their families’ Transport Terminal Operators & to eventually work in the He said an applicant must present job as Human Resource government in the future. income,” Regional Director Alvin Drivers Association got P918,630 be at least high school or voc- Assistant at the Sanford Marketing For this year, the DOLE- Villamor said. while the Shells Craft Association tech graduate belonging to an Corporation, owner of Savemore Regional Office I aims to The associations which were of Palawan received P200,125. indigent family. Market. Geraldine is currently assist more youth in finding given livelihood assistance “We are encouraging everyone to “The GIP helps shorten the handling the company’s Alaminos employment in government, include Puerto Princesa Ice take the opportunity of availing beneficiaries’ transition from and Lingayen branches. or private sector, by engaging school to work, therefore, helping Cream Vendors Association with themselves of the livelihood or The young Operations 1,657 interns. In western P1 million; General Services kabuhayan program. All they address the problem on youth Management graduate Pangasinan, some 204 youth unemployment,” Lacambra said. Mechanic Association-BLGU have to do is present to us feasible Tagburos with P999,980; and and viable project proposals,” Sta. Lourdes-Hobay Transport Villamor said. Terminal Operators & Drivers DILEEP is one of the labor Association with P918,630. department’s flagship programs Groups in the field of dress and that engages marginalized clothing production also received individuals and groups into livelihood grant including the entrepreneurship and enables Women’s Dress Shop Association them to transform their livelihood of Barangay San Miguel with projects to sustainable businesses. P962,284; Matahimik Bucana photo: http://dolewp.dole.gov.ph/government-internship-program-gip/ July-September 2017 | PHILIPPINE LABOR 7 The Regions N. Mindanao Commercial workers get fishing workers wage hike protection rivate sector workers in Northern Mindanao started AN FERNANDO, La Union – enjoying increased wages Randy Buscas of Casantaan, P Sto. Tomas town has been after the Regional Tripartite Wages S and Productivity Board (RTWPB) scouring the seas for more than in Region 10 issued Wage Order half of his life to earn a living for No. 19. his family. The new wage order, which Without an assurance of steady took effect July 16, prescribes the income and social protection following wage increase in the benefits, he risks his life every time region: P15.00 for Wage Category he sets sail to the ruthless deep I; P13.00 for Wage Category II; waters. P10.00 for Wage Category III; and “Paglusong namin sa dagat, parang P8.00 for Wage Category IV. nasa hukay na ang isangpaa namin. Covered by the Wage Category I LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE. DOLE Regional Office No. 10 releases assistance through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Pero kailangang kumita,” quips Program (DILEEP) amounting to a total of P1-M to five associations in Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental. Receiving the assistance are representatives are the cities of de Oro and Randy. from Taboc Sur Fishermen Association, for their rice trading project; Oroquieta City Youth Group Inc.,for their souvenir shop and general merchandise In response to the plight of Iligan, and the municipalities of project; Oroquieta Golden Hands for Health and Wellness Association Inc., for their massage spa services enhancement project; Oroquieta City Tagoloan, Villanueva, and Jasaan. Community Affairs for Reform and Development Programs, for their sweet potato production project; and Binuangan Multi-Purpose Cooperative, for Randy and other fishermen Its new minimum wage is P333.00 their banana production project. engaged in commercial fishing, for non-agriculture workers and the Department of Labor P321.00 for agriculture workers. and Employment has issued Under Wage Category II, Negros workers claim P10-M benefits Department Order No. 156-16, which includes the cities of or the Rules and Regulations DOLE-NIR Director Exequiel “I am happy to note that our Malaybalay, Valencia, Gingoog, ACOLOD CITY – Governing the Working and Sarcauga said that the monetary SEADOs are doing their jobs El Salvador and Ozamiz, and the Assistance was extended Living Conditions of Fishers on benefits were the result of excellently as evidenced by the municipalities of Opol, Maramag, Bto more than 600 workers Board Fishing Vessels Engaged in Quezon, and ManoloFortich, the from Negros Island Region in the efforts of the Single Entry performance of NIR in SEnA. Commercial Fishing Operations. minimum wage is P326.00 for non- claiming their monetary benefits Approach Desk Officers The workers can be assured that The order sets employment agriculture workers and P314.00 amounting to P10 million pesos. (SEADOs) in resolving 283 of DOLE will always be available standards, such as minimum for agriculture workers. The request for assistance filed the 339 Requests for Assistance to help them address their wage, holiday and premium pay, Wage Category III covers the by the workers involve complaints (RFA) handled by the Region various concerns in labor and additional premium pay, overtime cities of Oroquieta and Tangub on illegal dismissal, non-payment from January to June 2017, employment,” Sarcauga said. pay, night shift differential pay, and the municipalities of Lugait, and underpayment of wages, or equivalent to 83 percent SENA is DOLE’s paid service incentive leave, and Laguindingan and Mambajao. non-payment of overtime, settlement rate. administrative approach that 13th-month pay. The minimum wage in their holiday, night shift differential, The total amount of settlement provides a fast, inexpensive and In an orientation cum localities is P318.00 in the non- 13th month and separation pays, was P10,188,745.03, benefitting accessible settlement process consultation held by the DOLE- agriculture sector and P306.00 in non-coverage to social protection 682 workers from different of labor issues within a 30-day Regional Office I, Randy and 50 the agriculture sector. benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, establishments across industries period or before they mature vessel owners and workers from Under Wage Category IV, and Pag-IBIG; and unauthorized in Negros. The average duration into full blown disputes. –D. La Union, Dagupan City, and which includes all other areas cash bond deductions. of settlement was nine days. padua with report from G. Iwayan Ilocos Sur were made aware of not covered under the above the protection and benefits that categories and all retail and workers like them should enjoy. service establishments employing US Labor Dep’t lauds anti-child labor feat “Fishermen working in not more than 10 workers, the new commercial fishing vessels should be afforded their statutory rights minimum wage is at P311.00 in the ALAMBA CITY – The such as identifying and profiling of A year later, barangay officials just like other workers,” DOLE non-agriculture sector and P299.00 government’s campaign child laborers, and the provision of were oriented on how to manage, Regional Director Nathaniel in the agriculture sector. against child labor was training and livelihood to parents reduce, and eventually eradicate C Lacambra said. In all wage categories, a P5.00 recently cited by officials of the and households where child child labor incidence. He said fishermen working in Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) US Department of Labor after workers were initially identified. Through DOLE’s P750,000 commercial fishing vessels and will be integrated in the basic visiting Angono, Rizal – the first School supervisor Dr. Maribeth grant, raw materials, equipment their families can have more decent wage effective December 1, 2017. child labor-free municipality de Dios certified that all identified and tools were provided to start up lives because they can be safer In this new wage order, the in the country. reas and cities child laborers were brought back livelihood projects for barangays and have more secure working municipality of Opol was re- affected by the armed conflict US to school and are still in school Kalayaan and Mahabang Parang. conditions, and enjoy employment classified from Wage Category labor officials Monika Hartsel since the program was implement- The projects were doormat and rights and other social benefits. III to II, while the municipality of and Rommel Calderwood were ed in the town. rag making and production of The engagement of Filipino Laguindingan was re-classified at the municipality to learn how Hartsel, recognizing the homecare products. The projects fishers must be covered by an from Wage Category IV to III, due the local government and other collective efforts and expressing augmented the income of parents employment agreement, he added. to their greater economic vibrancy stakeholders have eliminated her admiration, noted that the of identified child laborers to D.O. 156-16 applies to fishing and dynamism. child labor in the barangays and town’s template in solving child lessen cases of child labor. vessel owners, fishers, and captains The wage order does not cover sustained the community’s child labor can be replicated by other Angono was recognized as the or masters on board Philippine- persons in personal service of labor-free status. local government units. first child labor-free municipality registered fishing vessels engaged another, domestic workers or During the visit, Public The local government had in August last year. in commercial fishing operation in kasambahays under Republic Employment Service Office signed an agreement with DOLE DOLE noted the support of Philippine or international waters. Act No. 10361, and workers (PESO) in-charge Jolan Aralar and the Department of Interior Mayor Gerry Calderon as a key “You may also avail of DOLE’s of Barangay Micro Business presented the town’s child labor- and Local Government (DILG) factor in effectively addressing livelihood program so you Enterprise registered under the free municipality program, while to support and implement the child labor incidence in the can have an alternative source Go Negosyo Act (RA 10644). barangay chairmen narrated their campaign for a Child Labor-Free municipality. –Jorge Manuel C. of income during times when –DOLE RO 10 and RTWPB 10 efforts in delivering interventions Municipality. Laude (DOLE RO-4A) weather conditions prevent you from setting out to the sea,” Lacambra said. P30M for Marawi workers Bicol He said marginalized workers such as fishermen are among AGAYAN DE ORO – which was allocated by DOLE a working population of 201,875. the eligible beneficiaries of the Displaced workers from upon the request of Senator Among the sources of income are eyes zero DOLE Integrated Livelihood and CMarawi City will have a Loren Legarda, will benefit agriculture, trading and export. Emergency Employment Program source of income for their families 2,292 individuals with a budget Residents make a living through or DILEEP. –Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez with the labor department’s amounting to Php 30,897,288.53. rice and corn farming, Malong backlog emergency employment assistance The project will cover areas of weaving, wood carving, hollow in the areas and cities affected Lanao Del Norte, Iligan and blocks manufacturing, saw EGAZPI CITY – The were docketed recently involving by the armed conflict. Through Cagayan De Oro where families milling, and fishing. Bicol regional office of ‘endo.’ the Tulong Pangka-buhayan sa from Marawi city had evacuated Worker beneficiaries will be Lthe department vowed Dela Rosa also promised to Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced and took safety. tasked to do social community to resolve all pending cases by adopt faster ways of resolving (TUPAD) workers program, Worker beneficiaries of TUPAD and agro-forestry projects. A total December. labor standards cases when DOLE can address dis-placement, shall be provided with short-term of 875 workers will come from And Director Rovelinda Dela she assumed office as regional unemployment and loss of income employment and will receive Iligan City, while from Lanao Del Rosa has constituted Task Force director. of residents in Marawi and P338.00 per day for 30 days of Norte, 900 will come from Balo-I; Zero Case Backlog to accomplish So far, the task force has neighboring areas. rendering work or service. 200 from Kauswagan; 200 from this task. significantly lessened by 82 percent “We are providing P30 million “As of this time, they cannot Kolambugan; Bacolod with 100 “I can’t stand to watch the pile the labor standards cases from the in emergency employment work in Marawi so we sent the beneficiaries; Linamon with 75; of folders on labor standards. 137 cases needing decision, 113 of assistance in the conflict areas. assistance in the neighboring and Maigo with 50 workers. All cases must be finished and which were already drafted while We saw the situation in Marawi areas. We hope this can help On the other hand, Cagayan De decided by December,” Dela Rosa some were already released. and we assured the people of help them to cope with their daily Oro City’s 540 workers will benefit said. The seven-man Task Force is from the government,” Labor requirements,” Bello said. from the emergency employment She said the task force will led by Assistant Regional Director Secretary Silvestre Bello said. Based on a DOLE Regional assistance program. –Peter Paul R. finish and finalize the decisions Teodoro Delson. The employment assistance, Office X report, Marawi City has Ang on all cases, including those that –Raymond Escalante (DOLE RO 5) Over 1M benefit from OSSCOs Monetary concerns By Abegail V. De Vega overnment frontline to reduce the expenses of Regulation Commission (PRC), top Hotline calls services were made more OFWs since the services and Maritime lndustry Authority Gaccessible and availed requirements they needed for (MARINA), Home Development By Peter Paul R. Ang of by over one million overseas deployment are readily available Mutual Fund (HDMF), Filipino workers through the in just one location, according to Philippine Health lnsurance otline 1349 has assisted der the minimum wage law at 17 One-Stop Service Centers Secretary Silvestre Bello III. Corporation (PhilHealth), Social close to 70,000 callers 4,058 and the implementation of put up by the labor department The government agencies Security System (SSS), Philippine Hwith majority queries Department Order No. 174-2017 nationwide. found at OSSCOs are the Statistics Authority (PSA), Bureau pertaining to night differential at 1,904. And the efficient and speedy Department of Foreign Affairs of Immigration (BI), National and pay rules computation. “Several employees were not delivery of various government (DFA), Philippine Overseas Bureau of lnvestigation (NBI), Undersecretary Dominador properly paid with night dif- services brought by OSSCOs Employment Administration Commission on Higher Education Say said the Hotline addressed ferential and 13th-month pay to the OFWs is among the (POEA), Overseas Workers (CHED), Tourism lnfrastructure 96,202 inquiries on general la- because some employers are major milestones of the Duterte Welfare Administration and Enterprise Zone Authority bor standards, labor relations, intentionally avoiding their ob- administration in its first year. (OWWA), Technical Education (TIEZA), Philippine National employment facilitation, and ligations on workers monetary Launched in August last and Skills Development Police (PNP), and Bureau of workers’ social protection and benefits. Workers also do not year, the OSSCOs were meant Authority (TESDA), Professional lnternal Revenue (BIR). welfare. have enough knowledge about “The highest number of calls the laws and general labor stan- that Hotline 1349 received most- dards,” Say said. ly were complaints and issues The Hotline also received 7,364 with regard to general labor queries on labor relations, while standards. Most of the callers queries on employment totaled also inquired on how to com- to 6,534 queries, particularly on pute their night differential pays, local and overseas jobs, applica- 13th-month pay and other mon- tion and clarifications on the Spe- etary benefits,” Say said. cial Program for Employment of In a report, the Information Students (SPES), services offered and Publication Service said by PhilJobNet, and other related Vol. XXVI • No. 3 www.dole.gov.ph July-September 2017 from the 96,202 queries received matters. by Hotline action officers, 25,170 Queries about social protection were inquiries referring to night and welfare totaled to 2,735. This differential, overtime pay, and includes inquiries about availing other holiday pay rules compu- of government insurances, such 72-hour policy gains ground tation. as SSS, Pag-Ibig, Philhealth; exit This was followed by queries clearance for direct hired OFWs By Teephanie D. Laderas on the computation of 13th- and taxation for workers mon- month pay with 10,195; process etary benefits. he campaign to streamline providing quality service at all registration process of establishment registration at Hotline 1349 is accessible on a government systems and times,” he said. (Balik Manggagawa); and 6,085; rules and regulations un- 24/7 basis. Tprocedures has gained The key services covered by membership verification ground in the labor department, the 72-hour policy implemented process. with about 4.566 million workers by the DOLE regional offices Other frontline services and establishments served include the registration of covered by the policy are nationwide a year after it was workers’ association; registration repatriation and post- implemented. of union/independent union; repatriation assistance; Skills DOLE services rendered registration of collective for Employment Program; were within six to 72 hours, a bargaining agreement; issuance seafarers upgrading program marked improvement from the of working child permit; and process; issuance of board previous five days to two weeks issuance of no pending case certificate; processing of processing or response time, certificate. petitions for change in status; officials reported. Also included are the registration of new passers and “This improvement which was accreditation of occupational issuance of PRC identification implemented by the DOLE across safety and health practitioner; card; and processing and all its agencies is in support to issuance of alien employment issuance of duplicate certificate President Duterte’s directive permit; issuance of private of registration. to cut red tape and complete employment agency license; In order to sustain the gains WARNING: government transactions within issuance of permit to conduct achieved in the implementation 72 hours,” Secretary Silvestre job fair; issuance of authority of the 72-hour policy, various Bello said. to recruit outside registered interventions were also put in Look out for fake Bello noted that of the total business address; and approval place. number of those served under its of construction safety and health Among these interventions 72-hour policy, 3.347 million or program. include the presence of a 24/7 POEA sites 73 percent were provided with Meanwhile, key services hotline service, or the DOLE service in less than 24 hours. covered by the 72-hour policy Hotline 1349; availability of verseas Filipino Job Hiring Australia, POEA “The streamlining of the implemented by attached the checklist of requirements workers (OFWs) and Job Hiring UK, POEA Job department’s key frontline agencies are the hiring and and required forms online those who plan to Agency Hiring, POEA Trabaho services is part of the overall placement of government- and on the agency’s website; O work abroad were advised Abroad Hiring, POEA Jobs in effort to hasten delivery of hired workers; registration/ enhancement of online systems to verify the legitimacy of job Dubai, Work Abroad-POEA services to the public at the least accreditation of principals/ and processes; and continuous vacancies being posted on the Licensed Company, and POEA possible cost while ensuring employers; issuance of job review and improvement of internet with the proliferation Accredited Licensed Agency. ease in transacting business and fair authority; membership the enrolled processes. of fake pages of the Philippine Olalia said the job vacancies Overseas Employment advertised on those social “Beware of bogus labor inspectors and report them immediately to Administration in the social media sites are not verified nor Bogus us,” the labor department advised business enterprises in Central media, particularly on approved by the POEA. The Luzon. Facebook. public can either validate the ‘labor The warning came after DOLE Region 3 office filed charges against Undersecretary Bernard legitimacy of the job vacancies a certain Jorge Domasig Dimayuga, 47, of Mapulang Lupa, Valenzu- Olalia made the warning or the recruitment agencies ela City, for robbery extortion and usurpation of authority. He mis- following reports that some through the official website of inspector’ represented himself as a labor laws compliance office of DOLE and unscrupulous individuals POEA at www.poea.gov.ph. asked for money from a company in Bulacan. and groups are illegally using He also the only official charged He was arrested by the police in an entrapment operation in Mey- the name and logo of POEA Facebook accounts of the cauayan town. to advertise job vacancies in POEA are www.facebook. DOLE Regional Director Atty. Ana Dione said Dimayuga said the countries such as Australia, com/mypoea and www. Bulacan Field Office received a call from the company to verify if Canada, Germany, Japan, New facebook.com/poea.official. Dimayuga was employed with the DOLE. Zealand and the United States. These pages have check marks The poseur reportedly asked for money in exchange for exempt- Olalia is the officer-in-charge which are authenticated by ing the company from being subjected to a DOLE joint assessment of POEA. Facebook. or inspection. The POEA identified some For inquiries, concerns, The public is encouraged to report any ‘bogus’ inspectors to the of the illegitimate and fake and to verify legitimate job DOLE Central Luzon hotline numbers at 0925-8150214 (mobile) and Facebook pages, such as vacancies and recruitment (045) 455-1619 (landline) and email at [email protected]. Donald HRserv, POEA Jobs agencies, the public may call The public can also report to Hotline 1349 to alert other DOLE Online, OFW POEA Jobs the POEA hotline numbers at regional and field offices in case similar incidents arise in other areas Abroad, POEA Jobs Abroad, 722-1144 and 722-1155. of the country. –DOLE RO3 POEA Job Hiring USA, POEA –POEA Report