3. Promote not only the constitutionally protected rights of workers

but also their right to participate in the policymaking process.

4. Review and evaluate the Department of Labor and Employment

(DOLE) ruling allowing the Philippine Airlines Management to

outsource its critical operations, resulting in the possible mass lay-

off of some 3,000 employees. (see page 5)

OVER-ARCHING GOAL: Invest in our country’s top resource,

our human resource, to make us more competitive and employable

while promoting industrial peace based on social justice.

1. Review existing plans and programs in accordance with the

principles of a “zero-based” budgeting system where budget alloca-

tions are shaped by their performance and their compliance with

COA reports.

2. Address the labor-mismatch problem by promoting better coor-

dination between employers, academia and government through

strengthening both public (e.g. Public Employment Service Offices

– PESO) and private sector labor market information and

exchange institutions, especially at the local levels.

T he Department of Labor and Employment-Regional

Office 1 reported that, since July this year, 13,924 jobs

have been generated in the Ilocos Region under the govern-

ment’s Emergency Community Employment Program

(ECEP).

Citing reports from various national line agencies and local

government units, DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena

said these jobs are found in infrastructure projects which

are implemented for the period July to December 2010, and

require both skilled and unskilled workers.

Infra Projects provide over 13,000 jobs in Ilocos Region Under President Benigno S. Aquino III’s 22-point labor

platform agenda, the DOLE is tasked to work with relevant

government agencies in strengthening the ECEP to create

jobs immediately so people can still have income to spend

for their basic needs.

“We are firming up ties with other government entities to

scale up employment opportunities in the region,” Jalbuena

said, adding that the infrastructure projects are imple-

mented by the Department of Public Works and Highways,

Department of Education, Department of Agrarian Reform,

Department of Environment and Natural Resources, De-

partment of Health and local government units such as

Burgos, Ilocos Norte; Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Sudipen, La Un-

ion; and Naguilian, La Union.

Jalbuena said the projects include construction/

rehabilitation/improvement of bridges, multi-purpose build-

ings, office, roads, public schools, flood control structures,

public markets, health centers and other similar undertak-

ings. He said among the skills required are engineering,

carpentry, electrical, plumbing and sanitary, painting,

welding, steel works, blasting, masonry, and tile setting. –

asv

A monthly Publication of Department of Labor and Employment - Regional Office 1

The La Union and Rosales Field Offices of the Department

of Labor and Employment-Regional Office 1 recently con-

ducted series of appreciation courses on Training and Advi-

sory Visit (TAV) for small and micro enterprises to foster

stronger cooperation and develop mutual and voluntary

compliance among employers, workers and the government

regarding labor laws.

The events were organized in consonance with Labor Chief

Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz’s strategy of strengthening

social dialogue with DOLE’s tripartite partners pursuant

to the 22-point labor and employment agenda of President

Benigno S. Aquino III.

DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena said the apprecia-

tion courses were participated in by 89 SMEs from the

province of La Union and the 5th and 6th districts of Pan-

gasinan, adding that more similar activities are lined up

for other provinces and districts of the region. (see page 4)

DOLE 1, SMEs foster voluntary

compliance on Labor Laws

Mr. Fiorello Surell, Head of the DOLE-La Union Field Office (inset), greet

participants during the TAV Orientation held for SMEs in the province of La

Union.

P-NOY's 22-Point Labor and Employment Agenda

PLATFORM AND POLICY PRONOUNCEMENTS ON LABOR

W hatever the times,

the Department of

Labor and Employment

remains a strong, proac-

tive, and dynamic gov-

ernment institution.

Irrespective of policy

shifts, or emergence of

new thrusts/directions

brought by changes in

administration, or the

demands of times, we put our efforts in making

our programs and services more responsive and

beneficial in the long-term.

More than a year ago, the Department imple-

mented the Six Priority Deliverables that suc-

cessfully cushioned the impact of the past

global crisis on both workers and management.

Our project Nurses Assigned in the Rural Ser-

vice (NARS) was likewise highly commended

by unemployed licensed nurses, communities,

local officials, private entities and other gov-

ernment agencies.

Now guided by President Benigno S. Aquino

III’s 22-point Labor and Employment Agenda,

the DOLE seeks to deliver more effectively its

goals of ensuring our workers to be gainfully

employed, globally competitive, secure, safe

and healthy.

This maiden issue of the 1 DOLE Gazette, and

all the succeeding issues, is an attempt to put

together, humbly, the highlights of the collec-

tive efforts of the DOLE and its partners along

the identified goals of the administration’s pol-

icy platform.

It is part of letting our publics know what the

Department does; and hopefully a way to in-

form us how we perform our job.

As you read along, we encourage you to com-

municate with us through the contact details

that appear on this page.

Have a fruitful reading!

Editorial Board Dir. Henry John S. Jalbuena

Editorial Technical Consultant

Arly Sta. Ana-Valdez

Editor-In-Chief

Contributors:

Jeridee C. Orate

Agnes B. Aguinaldo

Fredderick L. Gaerlan

Rommel Ioannis E. Mendoza

Violeta J. Buenaventura

Mary Aurea de Jesus

Leonavella S. Dadiz

Layout and Design:

Jennelyn S. Malong

1 DOLE Gazette is the official monthly publication of the Depart-

ment of Labor and Employment-Regional Office 1, with address at

the Arnel Bldg., Mabini St., Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La

Union. Contact Details: (072)6078114; 7004371; 2421753; fax:

(072)7002520;email add: dole_ro1@yahoo.com; web-

site:ro1.dole.gov.ph

The title is a play of the Department’s name and the numeral

number 1.

The numeral number 1 signifies Region 1 and oneness of the

DOLE Regional Office 1 and its attached agencies in program

implementation.

Normally, the acronym DOLE 1 is used. However, as this newslet-

ter debuts at the dawn of a new administration’s strengthened

coherent policy and program complementation under a 22-point

labor platform, we deem it more emphatic to affix the number 1

before DOLE to represent both purposes.

THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S CORNER

PAGE 2 1 DOLE GAZETTE

What’s Inside

The Regional Director’s CornerThe Regional Director’s Corner 22

One-Stop Shop Services for workers in new DOLE Rosales Office 3

Valentin retires after 35 years of serviceValentin retires after 35 years of service

DOLEDOLE--RCC 1 LCOs undergo Communication TrainingRCC 1 LCOs undergo Communication Training 44

RCC Updates RCC Updates 55

ECOP ECOP -- Pangasinan/PCCI backs Wage Policy ReformPangasinan/PCCI backs Wage Policy Reform 66

Calendar of ActivitiesCalendar of Activities

PP--NOY's 22NOY's 22--Point Labor and Employment AgendaPoint Labor and Employment Agenda

DOLE 1, SMEs foster voluntary compliance on Labor LawsDOLE 1, SMEs foster voluntary compliance on Labor Laws

About the TitleAbout the TitleAbout the Title

Infra projects provide over 13,000 jobs in Ilocos Region Infra projects provide over 13,000 jobs in Ilocos Region

Editorial BoardEditorial Board

About the TitleAbout the Title

Valentin retires after 35 years of service

mer Congressman Estrella,

land donor Mr. Bobby Rod-

riguez and the local gov-

ernment unit of Rosales,

said that other facilities

within the government

center will be installed to

ensure the welfare of work-

ers or the general public.

“A long-term plan includes

the construction of a mall

and other convenience fa-

cilities within the government com-

plex,” Jalbuena explained, adding

that the LGU of Rosales has com-

mitted the installation of transpor-

tation facilities to ensure accessi-

bility of the government center.

Government agencies like the Land

Transportation Office, National

Tobacco Administration, Bureau of

Internal Revenue, Social Security

System, Office of the Ombudsman

for Luzon and others will also put

up their offices in the said complex.

– asv

A complete menu of employment

services will be available for work-

ers in Pangasinan and neighbor-

ing regions this September, as the

Department of Labor and Employ-

ment-Regional Coordinating Com-

mittee 1 and relevant agencies

will converge in the newly built

DOLE Field Office located at the

Rosales Government Center,

Barangay Carmay, Rosales, Pan-

gasinan.

Resting on a 2,000 sq.m. lot with a

floor area of 544.31 sq.m., the

DOLE building which was con-

structed through a PhP10.6 mil-

lion funding from the Country-

wide Development Fund of former

Congressman Conrado M. Estrella

III, will house the DOLE Rosales

Field Office, Overseas Workers

Welfare Administration, Philip-

pine Overseas Employment Ad-

ministration and National Con-

ciliation and Mediation Board. In

separate buildings, the Profes-

sional Regulation Commission

and Technical Education and

Skills Development Authority,

both attached agencies to the

DOLE, will also hold their offices.

“The idea of housing the DOLE-

RCC 1 offices in one building to

step up the delivery of services to

workers is the legacy of former

Labor Secretary Marianito

Roque,” DOLE 1 Director Henry

John Jalbuena explained, adding:

“Our thrust of strengthening coop-

eration among various social part-

ners has resulted in this land-

mark project, which is aimed at

providing our local and overseas

workers with efficient one-stop-

shop employment services and

venue for the redress of their

grievances,” Jalbuena said.

Jalbuena, who expressed grati-

tude for the great support of for-

One-Stop Shop

Services for workers in new DOLE Rosales Office

Atty. Querubin

P. Valentin,

Provincial

Chief Labor

and Employ-

ment Officer

(Chief LEO) of

the Department

of Labor and

Employment-Ilocos Norte Field Office

(DOLE-INFO), officially retires at age

65, after 35 years of fruitful service in

the government.

Querubin, or “Boy” to many, has been

a man of hard work and wisdom, as he

upheld the arm of justice in the appli-

cation of labor laws; thus, doing great

contribution in the implementation of

various programs of the Department.

Raised to both farmers Platon and

Norberta Pascual Valentin of Bacsil,

Laoag City, Boy spent his elementary

years at Bacsil Elementary School, his

high school at Saint Joseph High

school, and earned his Degree in

Bachelor of Arts major in History at

the Manuel L. Quezon University

(MLQU) in Manila.

After college, he first worked as a

ticket seller at the Laoag City Super-

market for two years.

His desire for a better life led him back

to MLQU to pursue a course in law.

To keep both ends meet, he juggled his

law studies and employment as janitor

at the Industrial Textile Manufactur-

ing Company of the Philippines, EDSA,

Mandaluyong. His diligence earned

him a job as sorter at the finishing de-

partment.

Painstakingly, Boy finished his law

course and hurdled the bar examina-

tion in 1973. Two of his former class-

mates made it to the top of the DOLE;

namely, former DOLE Secretary

Cresenciano B. Trajano and now DOLE

Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz.

Boy started his career in the Depart-

ment as labor inspector, and obtained

a series of promotions until he became

a Chief LEO.

He declined other opportunities that

came after his last promotion for his

family. His kids were then growing and

needed his guidance. ( see page 4)

PAGE 3 1 DOLE GAZETTE

“The word is flat,” was Director Nicon Fameronag’s comical

statement during the two and a half-day training work-

shop for Labor Communication Officers of the Department

of Labor and Employment-Regional Coordinating Commit-

tee 1 held on September 9-11 at the Cozy Place Resort,

Rosales, Pangasinan. Borrowed from Thomas Friedman, a

New York Times columnist, the remark, uttered repeti-

tively during the training, was intended to persuade the

participants to adapt their communication strategies with

the modern time.

The DOLE-Regional Office 1 has sponsored the “Writing

and Communications Training Workshop,” to not only

equip the trainees with the required knowledge and skills

for their job as communication officers; it introduced them

to today’s modern communication technologies, which

causes the “flattening” of the globe, referring to the fast-

paced shift in nations’ standpoints. To Friedman’s point of

view, the latest technologies render geographical and po-

litical divisions almost irrelevant.

“Change has changed, and we need to adapt. In the midst

of all these changes, only the communication process re-

mains the same,” Fameronag, who developed and facili-

tated the training, explained, as he encouraged the partici-

pants to make use of viral channels, such as social net-

works, in communicating programs and efforts of their

respective offices.

DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena, on the other hand,

emphasized the relevance of the DOLE Regional website in

the whole communication program. He said more younger

people would rather browse the internet than read or lis-

ten to the radio. “Take advantage of the existing DOLE

DOLE-RCC 1 LCOs undergo Communication Training

Dir. Nicon Fameronag (middle, front row) pose with the LCOs of DOLE-RCC 1 after the communication training. Inset pictures show Dir. Henry John S. Jalbuena (extreme right) and Dir. Fameronag giving their inspiring messages to the participants.

Valentin retires … from page 3 He believes that the welfare of his family is beyond pecuniary

measures. “It pays to be home for there is no greater happiness

than to serve your own place and to be near those who you hold

most dear,” he says with pride.

Boy says he has nothing more to ask for. He has a loving wife in

the person of Estrella, a Master Teacher at Bacsil Elementary

School, and four wonderful children; namely, 1) Marjorie, a clini-

cal instructor at the Manila Central University, where she com-

pleted her BS Nursing; 2) Maureen, a resident cardiologist at the

University of Sto. Tomas Hospital; 3) Maynard (the only son), a

staff nurse at the MCU Hospital; and 4) Mianne, who recently

finished her BSN degree, also at MCU.

When asked what his secret to a happy and successful life is, he

shared: “A happy life can be achieved only if you are at peace with

everyone. Learn to forgive, for it is the key to a healthy relation-

ship. Success comes when one works hard for it, coupled with

prayers and strong determination.”

To you Sir Boy, your task in the government now ends but Ilocos

Norte, your province, and the rest of the DOLE family will always

recognize your wisdom, achievements and your loyalty and untir-

ing service in this Department. From the bottom of our hearts, we,

from the DOLE family, give you our prayers and wishes. May the

good Lord bless and keep you always. – w/ Leonavella Dadiz

DOLE 1, SMEs...from page 1

PAGE 4 1 DOLE GAZETTE

RO 1 site. Submit your articles so we could post them there.

It now serves as the shopping window for our media part-

ners, the Central Office and other regions,” he told the

LCOs.

The training exposed the participants intensively on con-

temporary rules of usage, style, language and tone; news

writing; and tips on media relations.

Last August, DOLE Field Offices and attached agencies des-

ignated their respective LCOs to scale up information dis-

semination and the process of feedback, in light of ensuring

a coherent program implementation under the government’s

22-point labor platform agenda.– asv

“These establishments can save themselves the rigors and expenses

of case hearings arising from labor violations by practicing self-

regulation and voluntarism,” Jalbuena said.

He said the representatives of these establishments committed to

voluntarily comply on mandatory standards on wages and non-wage

benefits; social welfare benefits; occupational safety and health;

work productivity improvement; and the law on the employment of

minors.

The DOLE implements the TAV which refers to the conduct of

orientation seminars and authorized advisory/assistance and follow

-up visits by trained DOLE personnel/inspectors to SMEs with an

employment size of nine workers or less. It aims to assist SMEs in

mapping out a development program geared towards increasing

productivity and facilitating eventual compliance with labor stan-

dards.

After the seminars, the DOLE Field Offices shall undertake follow-

up visits of the enterprises to monitor progress. The TAV team shall

document the status of improvements made by the enterprises as

their commitment to voluntary compliance with labor laws, social

welfare benefits, and occupational safety and health standards. –

asv

1th Monday of the month, located at the Provincial Audi-

turium. Meanwhile, the One-Stop Processing Center at the

DOLE Dagupan Field Office will continue to process re-

turning workers every Wednesday of the week.

POEA Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said that

the move to decentralize its processing services is in line

with its continuing efforts to bring OFW services closer to

the areas where workers live or stay. It also expects to

reduce the big crowds that come to its Main Offie in Man-

daluyong to avail themselves of OEC processing services,

particularly during the peak season.

Manalili emphasized that the identified processing center

will lso serve the adjoining provinces of Rosales, Pangasi-

nan, and Laoag City, Ilocos Norte. She also clarified that

all regional offices and extension units of the POEA lo-

cated in various parts of the country undertaken process-

ing of balikmanggagawa.

Vacationing workers are reminded to bring their valid

original passport, valid re-entry visa, work permit or any

equivalent document, and latest-receipt or Official Re-

ceipts of OWWA and Philhealth as proof of payment. - poea

Good news for returning workers. The Philippine Over-

seas Employment Administration announced today that

its Regional Center for Luzon will provide mobile proc-

essing services for overseas Filipino workers who are on

home leave or more popularly known as balikmangga-

gawa in designated areas in Luzon.

Starting September 2010, returning workers may proc-

ess their overseas employment certificates in the follow-

ing venues and schedules: DOLE Field Office in Rosales,

Pangasinan located at Barangay Zone 4 every Friday;

Provincial Capitol at Laoag, Ilocos Norte every 2nd and

Mobile Balikmanggagawa Processing

in Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte

RCC Updates

P-NOY's 22-Point … from page 1...

16. Address the social costs of migration by working closely with

communities and families of OFWs to provide effective social wel-

fare services such as counseling and pre-departure orientation

seminars. Support the creation or strengthening of community-

based support groups for families of OFWs.

17. Improve the seafarer’s upgrading program, credit/loaning pro-

gram, self-insurance coverage program, which includes life insur-

ance, burial, disability and dismemberment benefits, and reinte-

gration program.

18. Complete a global trading master plan than aims to establish

worldwide trading posts that rely on the labor, knowledge and

entrepreneurial spirit of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

19. Facilitate the re-integration of returning OFWs by favorable

terms of investment, tax incentives, access to government finan-

cial institutions and other benefits that are offered to foreign in-

vestors.

20. Regularly package and disseminate information on agency

budgets, bidding and procurement documents and SALNs of sen-

ior government officials, to ensure transparency and accountabil-

ity.

21. Ensure that the DOLE and its attached agencies are stream-

lined and rationalized to have clear-cut and distinct mandates and

that qualification standards, especially on eligibility, will be

strictly followed.

22. Work with the CSC to ensure that performances of govern-

ment agencies and civil servants will be evaluated rationally and

systematically through an effective and measurable performance

management system to be approved by the CSC such as directly

linking the CSC Performance Management System-Office Per-

formance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES) with the DBM Organ-

izational Performance Indicator Framework (OPIF) to ensure the

accountability of government agencies and officials.

5. Work with the private and labor sector to strengthen tripar-

tite cooperation and promote industrial peace.

6. Reform labor arbitration and adjudication systems by

streamlining procedures, removing red tape, and at the same

time, restore integrity and fairness in the system. Ensure that

98% of all pending labor cases are disposed of with quality deci-

sions by April of 2011.

7. Align our country’s labor policies with international treaties

and ILO conventions in a sound and realistic manner.

8. Work with relevant government agencies in enhancing social

protection programs such as social security, workmen’s compen-

sation, health insurance and housing for laid off workers while

strengthening the Emergency Community Employment Pro-

gram (ECEP) to create jobs immediately so people can still have

income to spend for their basic needs.

9. Review the continued deployment of workers to countries,

which are high-and medium-risk areas, as well the continued

deployment of workers in high-risk occupations.

10. Create an efficient “one-stop shop” for processing applica-

tions for overseas work and seeking redress for grievances.

11. Audit the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to

rationalize the management of its funds, in terms of the bene-

fits provided as well as how the funds are invested.

12. Work with the DFA to transform Philippine embassies,

consular offices and Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs)

into centers of care and service for overseas workers by assign-

ing more foreign service officers to post where there are many

OFWs and train them in the needs of the communities they

serve.

13. Invest in the formal and regular skills training and upgrad-

ing of our services workers with TESDA and utilize returning

OFWs to conduct training so that they may transfer skills

learned abroad.

14. Fully implement the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of

2003. Pursue and prosecute those engaging in illegal and preda-

tory activities, including fixers, scammers and especially traf-

fickers that target women and children.

15. Assist OFWs in achieving financial stability through train-

ing, investment and savings programs.

PAGE 5 1 DOLE GAZETTE

T he Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity

Board-1 (RTWPB-1) organized a consultation

meeting with the Employers Confederation of

the Philippines-Pangasinan/Philippine Chamber of

Commerce (ECOP-Pangasinan/PCCI) on September

07, 2010 to facilitate policy formulation which would

eliminate vulnerabilities among the working poor

and pursue higher wages through compensation

strategies driven by worker/enterprise performance

and productivity.

Mr. Exequiel A. Guzman, RTWPB-1 Board Secretary

said that the now merged ECOP-Pangasinan/PCCI

strongly supports and backs the National Wages and

Productivity Commission’s (NWPC) proposed two-

tiered wage policy and system. In advocating for the

adoption and implementation of firm level productiv-

ity improvement programs and gain-sharing mecha-

nism as a primary step to realize the objective of the

proposed two-tiered wage policy and system which

would consist of a floor wage to protect the incomes of

the vulnerable sectors and which would support en-

terprise productivity based approach in determining

wages above the minimum, ECOP-Pangasinan/PCCI

drafted four (4) recommendations.

With the aim of linking wages and productivity which

is the focus of the two-tiered wage policy reform,

ECOP-Pangasinan/PCCI recommended for (1) review

of the present wage fixing mechanism and introduc-

tion of legislative reforms to enhance the responsive-

ness of the Wage rationalization Act (R.A. 6727) rela-

tive to the present socio-economic conditions, (2) re-

view of prevailing Productivity Incentives Act or R.A.

6971 and initiation of improvement that would en-

courage both labor and management to adopt/

implement productivity enhancement programs and

gain-sharing mechanisms, (3) enhance advocacy of

facility evaluation as mechanism to promote the

granting of facilities and articles considered part of

wages, and (4) strengthening of linkage and collabo-

ration among the social partners in providing techni-

cal assistance to both labor and management particu-

larly of micro and small enterprises in adopting and

implementing their firm level productivity improve-

ment programs and gain-sharing mechanisms.

The consultation between the RTWPB-1 and ECOP-

Pangasinan/PCCI is a step towards aligning our

country’s labor policies with international treaties

and ILO conventions (Agenda item No.7) as set forth

in Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III’s Policy Pronounce-

ments on Labor and Employment or the 22-Point La-

bor and Employment Agenda.

ECOP - Pangasinan/PCCI backs Wage Policy Reform

1 MOA Signing between DOLE-RO 1 and Lorma Colleges, Inc. for the Establishment of school- based PESO (DOLE 1, City of San Fernando, La Union)

4-7 Basic Training Course for Labor Inspectors (DOLE OSHC, Manila) 4-8 Annual Mediator-Arbiters National Consultation (Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay) 5-7 National PESO Congress (Taal Vista Hotel, Tagaytay) 14 7th Gawad Kaligtasan at Kalusugan (OSHC Diliman, Quezon City) 14-15 12th National Occupational Safety and Health Congress (OSHC Diliman, Quezon City) 23 Jobs Fair (Vigan City)

Calendar of Activities

October 2010

SEPTEMBER 2010 1 DOLE GAZETTE

By taking measures such as this, Mr. Guzman related,

“this would translate into positive and sustainable work

and business outcomes.”. Jeridee C. Orate

As series of deliberations are held by the RTWPB 1, the proposed two-tiered wage system gains support from ECOP-Pangasinan PCCI. Photo shows DOLE Director and RTWPB 1 Chair Henry John S. Jalbuena meeting the mem-bers of the Board to tackle the relevant indicators and criteria for a more re-

sponsive wage-fixing tool.