DOLE-7 assists MEs comply with labor laws

CEBU, Philippines — To help micro-establishments (MEs) comply with the intricacies of employment regulations while ensuring workers’ safety and health, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) through its Cebu Provincial Field Office conducted Technical and Advisory Visits (TAV) to micro-establishments in different areas in Cebu Province.

Around 650 MEs from different industries participated in the five different TAV sessions in the towns of Barili and Minglanilla, and the cities of Toledo, Carcar, and Naga.

The business owners and their representatives were informed of the General Labor Standards (GLS) consisting of Minimum Wage Law, Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE), Government Mandated Leaves, 13th month pay, as well as Philhealth and PAG-IBIG premiums.

Also included in the discussions was the orientation on Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) such as having certified first aider, safety officer, among others.

During the activity, representatives and business owners were assisted in accomplishing the prescribed TAV checklists to determine whether or not they are compliant with labor laws. Participants were also given the chance to ask their questions during the open forum.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia A. Estillore said that when gaps or deficiencies are noted, employers will be assisted in accomplishing an action plan indicating interventions and technical assistance. They will then be given maximum of 90 days to correct the noted gaps.

“We hope that this program will foster voluntary compliance to our business owners. In this way, we will know the appropriate intervention we can offer to help them in their businesses and not just in managing their employees,” said Estillore in a statement.

Last month, 142 MEs joined the activity at Toledo Megadome wherein 127 were found to be compliant with the GLS and OSHS. Of the said number, 15 MEs had voluntarily identified some gaps needing assistance.

Around 113 MEs also attended the TAV at Barili Municipal Social Hall wherein 25 establishments voluntarily sought assistance on how to register under Department of Trade and Industry’s BMBE program.

In the town of Minglanilla, the TAV session was conducted at Poblacion Ward 1 gym which yielded 134 MEs attendance. Nine of which voluntarily identified some gaps which also need some assistance.

Meanwhile, around 121 and 140 MEs in the Cities of Carcar and Naga, respectively, attended the TAV sessions wherein 11 MEs in Carcar had voluntarily identified gaps while 6 establishments had gaps in Naga.

Underscoring the importance and purpose of the activity, CPFO OIC Vivencio E. Lagahid said, “Pagkahuman sa pandemic, daghan kaayo og mga gagmay nga negosyante nga naghinay-hinay pa gyud. Mao ni nga ang DOLE gitagaan og pagtutuk ang mga micro-establishments…atong tan-awon, dili diritso inspeksyonon. Dili man nato malikayan ang mga requisitos, pero dia ta, kaning Advisory, para matabangan ta para ma compliant.”

Lagahid assured them that the labor inspectors are more than willing to assist them in order to be labor law compliant. As such, they should not be feared.

Carcar City Mayor Mario Patricio Barcenas expressed his gratitude that DOLE’s conduct of TAV will teach the business owners practical ways practical ways in managing the employees and the business.

“Ang inyong ginagmay nga establishments, whether you like it or not, whether you know it or not, nakatabang sad mo dili lang sa mga direct employees nga inyong gi-hire, dili lang sa inyong pamilya, nakatabang sa mga sa katawhan sa dakbayan,” said Naga City Administrator Engr. Arthus Villamor, representing Mayor Valdemar Chiong.

Under  the newly-issued Department Order No. 238, Series of 2023 or the Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Standards Pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, As Renumbered, and Republic Act No. 11058, DOLE administers and ensures enforcement of the Labor Standards and other labor laws through the TAV, labor inspection and Occupational Safety and Health Investigation. — (FREEMAN)