To educate workers and employers on their rights and responsibilities, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IV-A through its Batangas Provincial Office (DOLE-BPO) recently shed light on important matters, jurisprudence, and issuances about the labor sector through the Continuing Labor Education Seminar (CLES) program held at the Administration Building of the Light Industry and Science Park (LISP) III, Sto. Tomas City, Batangas.

Representatives from fourteen (14) companies located at the LISP– Sto. Tomas City participated in the seminar.

DOLE BPO Labor and Employment Officers Ms. Cristina H. Barayang and Ms. Jennylyn S. Rubio facilitated the training in cooperation with Ms. Elma Dimaculangan and Mr. Rolly Tallod, LISP III Administrator and Senior Manager, respectively.

DOLE representatives discussed the General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards and the salient features of Department Order No. 147-15.

According to Ms. Rubio, the information tackled will aid the companies in staying updated on recent issuances and jurisprudence related to the labor sector. "CLES is timely and relevant to provide an update on the Department's newly published guidelines, advisories, and orders and to raise awareness on other labor-related laws. This will help you prepare for future inspection by our labor inspectors, and we hope that everyone will comply with the labor regulations,” she remarked.

Meanwhile, Atty. Rosita Villaluz, Mediator - Arbiter from DOLE IV-A Regional Office, shared the Guidelines on the Conduct of the DOLE, DILG, DND, DOJ, PNP, and AFP Relative to the Exercise of Workers’ Rights and Activities.

Atty. Villaluz discussed the effective exercise of workers and trade union rights and the violence and threats against workers and trade unionists.

Aside from these topics, resource speakers also shed light on the Family Welfare Program and Mental Health Policy which aimed to promote the holistic well-being of the workers.

Ms. Barayang also encouraged the representatives to establish their labor management committee in addressing concerns of the workers.

Prior to the activity, DOLE-BPO employees also conducted a labor education seminar with employees of Universal Robina Corporation-Flexible Packaging and BOPP Films in Simlong, Batangas City on February 16. The seminar included topics such as Gender and Development Fundamental Concepts, Anti-Sexual Harassment Act, Safe Space Act or Bawal Bastos Law, Guidelines for the Implementation of Mental Health Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector, and Guidelines for Procedural and Substantive Due Process.


by:

APRIL ROSE N. MAGPANTAY
LEO III