sena facilitates more than p3.9 million in monetary...

Volume 2 Issue 5 JUNE 2011

On June 6, the DOLE 1 held a flag-raising ceremony in front of

the regional office to kick-off the month-long celebration of the

113th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence

Day.

The observance of the Single-Entry Approach 30-day man-

datory conciliation-mediation of all labor cases in all offices of the Department of Labor

and Employment-Regional Of-fice 1 has resulted in faster and higher rate of settlements,

Director Henry John Jalbuena has announced.

Citing a consolidated report from field offices, Jalbuena

said that from February to May, SENA has facilitated the payment to 281 workers of

P3,906,400.46 as a result of the 30-day mandatory con-ciliation-mediation.

He said that for the same pe-riod, a total of 186 cases have

been referred to the SENA where involved parties are en-couraged to resolve their is-

sues amicably before these ripen into full blown disputes.

“The SENA is one of the labor arbitration reforms initiated

under Labor Chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz,” Jalbuena said.

SENA facilitates more than P3.9

million in monetary settlements for 281 workers

Jalbuena noted that one case was settled on the same date

it was filed, with total mone-t a r y e n t i t l em en t o f P195,000.00, benefiting five

workers. Another case, he added, was

settled within 18 days, but after only one conference,

with restitution amounting to P125, 220.02.

The Regional Director said

some cases were ei-ther referred to the National

Labor Relations Commission or other appropriate agen-cies.

The SENA allows involved parties to dispense with

costly and taxing litigations by providing speedy, impar-

tial, inexpensive and accessi-ble settlement procedure of all labor issues or conflicts. asv

Dagupan City’s Hotels and Restaurants forge first volun-

tary code of good practices See story on back page

DOLE issues revised job fair guidelines, enjoins PESO support 3 DOLE 1 boosts mango production project in Ilocos Norte

We look at the past weeks with joy at the fact that in-clusive growth, as the basic goal of the Philippine Em-ployment Development Plan 2011-2016, is coming into view with the latest strides made by the DOLE 1 and its social partners along Labor Chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz’s labor governance

reforms. At the early part of May, the first ever voluntary code of good practices in the region was adopted, giving a jumpstart to the Secretary’s initiative of fos-tering a culture of volunteerism among industries. More industries are now joining the campaign, and the DOLE 1 is confident that more codes will be signed and adopted. We will see through the trans-lation of these into our goal of industrial peace through the voluntary and mutual effort of labor and management to promote decent and productive work. Also coinciding with the signing of the code, we have formally opened the doors of our Rosales Field Office to the public, which is one of our commit-ments to the President’s thrust of providing strengthened one-stop-shop welfare services to our local and overseas workers. Finally, our Single Entry Approach 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation of all labor cases is bearing positive results with more cases being settled faster. Capitalizing on our gains, the DOLE 1 will further enhance the capacities of our SENA Desk Officers to ensure higher settlement rates of labor issues. As we have always strongly advocated, the achieve-ment of labor reforms, or at most, inclusive growth, is a collective responsibility of its key players, with the government taking a “supporting role”. Through public-private partnerships, initial outcomes can be sustained and boosted.

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)7002520; 7004371; 2421753; fax:

(072)6078114;email add: [email protected]; 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 THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S CORNER THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S CORNER

PAG E 2 1 DOL E GAZ ETTE

What’s Inside

About the TitleAbout the TitleAbout the Title

The Regional Director’s Corner 2 Editorial Board

DOLE 1 awards P1.1. million worth of livelihood 6 projects to 3 associations

Dole top brass leads inauguration of Rosales Field Office 7

Dagupan City’s hotels and restaurants forge first 8 voluntary code of good practices

RCC Updates 4-5 OWWA launches “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” OWWA holds support learning activity for scholars


DOLE issues revised job fair guidelines, enjoins PESO support

Job fair organizers and key

players will have to conform to new standards and require-ments after the Department of

Labor and Employment issued Department Order No. 3, series of 2011, or the Revised Guide-

lines for the Conduct of Job Fair.

Amending D.O. No. 2, series of 2001, the new guidelines aim to ensure the efficient and effec-

tive conduct of job fairs through the rationalization and estab-lishment of standards in the requirements and procedures in

securing job permits. “The guidelines clearly define

the roles and responsibilities of government agencies and enti-ties before, during and after the

holding of job fair,” DOLE 1 Di-rector Henry John Jalbuena said, adding that these will en-

sure the effectiveness of the employment service strategy and protect jobseekers from

unscrupulous or fake recruiters. He said the guidelines apply to

all job fairs and any similar ac-tivity conducted in a specific venue involving recruitment and

placement of workers and par-ticipated in by more than one employer or recruitment agency

whether for local or overseas employment.

Relative to the new guidelines, DOLE 1 met recently with the Regional Federation of Public

Employment Services Officers to enjoin its support in ensuring wider information dissemina-tion.

“PESOs are the front line ser-

vice providers in the whole Job Fair Program,” Jalbuena said.

The PESOs are the implement-ing entities in the conduct of job fairs. Under the guidelines,

PESOs are tasked to ensure that all job fairs con-

ducted in their jurisdiction are done in accordance with the prescribed systems, standards

and procedures. They are also required to pre-pare and submit to the con-

cerned DOLE Field Office monthly calendar of job fairs and reports. asv

DOLE 1 boosts mango production project in Ilocos Norte

Convening for the 2nd quarter Regional Federation of Public Employ-

ment Service Officers meeting this year, the four provincial PESO dele-

gations receive updates on DOLE’s employment programs and services

from focal points. Top photos, left to right: Mr. Fiorello Surell (DOLE-

La Union Field Office Head), Ms. Teresa Bonavente (OIC, DOLE-TSSD),

Mr. Alex Ferrer (Regional PESO Federation President), Ms. Bernadette

May Mamitag (DOLE 1 focal point on employment), Mr. Ian Picar

(Senior LEO, Bureau of Local Employment).

The Department of Labor and

Employment-Regional Office 1, through its Ilocos Norte Field Office, recently awarded check

to a group of mango growers to enhance their mango produc-tion project.

Mr. Engracio Bailon, Head of the DOLE-Ilocos Norte Field Of-

fice, said the check amounting to P449,834.00 will be used to purchase equipment and tools

to transform the recipients’ mango production into a more prolific business undertaking.

Turn to page 6


RCC UpdatesRCC Updates

The launching of National Rein-

tegration Center for OFWs and Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-ministration’s new project,

“Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay” was successfully conducted on May 19, 2011 at the Technical

Education and Skills Develop-ment Authority Training Hall, Vigan City.

This project was made possible through the conduct of Skills

Training on Cosmetology, Hair-cutting, Foot Spa, and Make-up which lasted for 5 days (May 19-23, 2011). With the recom-

mendation of the TESDA Ilocos Sur Provincial Office and City of

Vigan, the Ricky Reyes Group in

Manila headed by Mr. Ivory C.

Malagueña, Director, was in-vited to provide the technical aspect of the training through

lectures and hands-on. There were 39 participants, of

whom 37 were women and 2 men. Most of the women were repatriated OFWs from the Mid-

dle East and Asia who were forced to come home due to maltreatment, verbal and physi-

cal abuse and contract violation by their employers. Five skills were learned from

the training. These skills were: Pedicure/Manicure, Haircutting, Hair Perming, Foot Spa and

Makeup. The participants were

very pleased and enthusiastic to acquire the knowledge and skills. Starter kits were also

given to every participant as a start for their new business un-dertakings.

The training was supported by partner agencies and stake-

holders such as TESDA Ilocos Sur Provincial Office, DOLE IS Provincial Office, Batis Center

for Women and the City Gov-ernment of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. They provided inspiring mes-sages to boost the participants’

energy and confidence from the training. - Amapola Z. Villar,

OWWA Labor Communication Officer

OWWA launches “Balik Pinay, Balik Hanapbuhay”

Top photos show the participants in their hands-on

training on various skills . Bottom left photo shows

the participants, trainers and stakeholders after the

training. Seated from left to right: Amapola Villar

(OWWA-RWO 1 LCO), Aprila Bisquera

(AAIII,OWWA-RWO1), Marivic Mondina (OIC-PSD

OWWA-RWO1), Arnel Gallardo, Sr. (TESDA Spe-

cialist), Esperanza Cobarrubias (OIC,OWWA-

RWO1), Mayor Eva Marie Medina (City of Vigan),

Ivory Malaguena (Director, Ricky Reyes Group),

Fresnaida Gundan (Head, DOLE-Ilocos Sur Field

Office), Andrea Luisa Anolin (Executive Director,

BATIS Center for Women), and Don Santi (Assistant

Trainer, Ricky Reyes Group).


OWWA holds support learning activity for scholars

RCC UpdatesRCC Updates

Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-

ministration (OWWA) Region I conducted a Support Learning Activity (SLA) for all scholars of

Education and Livelihood Assis-tance Program (ELAP) and Tu-loy-Aral Program (TAP), Educa-

tion and Livelihood Assistance Program (EDSP), OFW Depend-ent Scholarship Program

(OFWDSP), and Congressional Migrant Workers Scholarship Program (CMWSP) on May 7, 8,

and 22, 2011 attended by Ele-mentary, High School, and Col-lege scholars, respectively.

A total of 68 scholars attended this sustaining activity consist-ing of 28 ELAP scholars, 15 TAP

scholars, 5 EDSP scholars, 18 scholars of OFWDSP, and 2 scholars of CMWSP.

This undertaking is intended to assist all the scholars to main-

tain good relationship with their families, friends, and other peo-ple through various learning

mechanisms. It focuses on strategies which will contribute to the success of the scholars in

their studies, further in their chosen careers, and as a whole person.

The Diocese of La Union headed by Sr. Bernardita Pam-

paro, SJBP provided lectures on c o n s t a n t i n t e r a c t i o n /communication within the fam-

ily. She also stressed on strengthening the Filipino val-ues to Elementary and High

School scholars that will help them maintain good

relationships with others while

focusing on studies. On the other hand, Ms. Mau-

reen C. Rivera and Ms. Claudia P. Barbadillo, Guidance Coun-sellors from Saint Louis College

and Don Mariano Memorial State University, gave orienta-tion on Stress Management,

Strengthening Family and Per-sonal Values, and Study Tips for College scholars to prepare

them for college life. The pro-

gram also consists of activities relating to career planning, growth, and development.

The conduct of SLA contributes to the success of the scholars in

their chosen career and as a whole person. - Amapola Z.

Villar


DOLE 1 awards P1.1 million worth of livelihood projects to 3 associations

Acting DOLE Secretary Danilo Cruz (2nd from right), joined by RD Jal-

buena (rightmost), awards the check amounting to P500,000 to the Break-

ing Barriers for Young Adults represented by (from left) Ms. Mary Ann

Jacob, BBY Team Leader, Mr. Norman Velasco of RCBC Bank and ECOP-

Pangasinan and Mr. Salvador Poserio, ECOP-Pangasinan President.

the DOLE’s Capacity Building

Services for Livelihood. asv

The Department of Labor and

Employment-Regional Office 1 has recently awarded livelihood checks worth P1,163,717.00 to

three associations in Pangasi-nan.

In awarding ceremonies led by Acting Secretary Danilo Cruz, the Breaking Barriers for Young

Adults; Women’s Unity for Pro-gress and Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative; and Taho

Producers and Vendors Associa-tion received P500,000, P263,717 and P400,000, re-spectively for the establishment

of livelihood projects. DOLE 1 Director Henry John

Jalbuena said the provision of livelihood assistance to disad-vantaged workers is a strategy

of the Aquino III administration to provide gainful employment

among communities.

“Livelihood projects are viable sources of income,” Jalbuena

said adding that those who can-not find wage employment may opt to venture into business.

Consisting of persons with dis-abilities, the BBY of Dagupan

City will set up a charcoal bri-quetting project.

The members of the WUPFMPC of Mapandan will utilize the as-sistance to upgrade their skills in catering services and video

photography. For the TaPVA of Aguilar, the

assistance will be used for the enhancement of Taho Produc-tion project.

The funds for these identified projects were sourced out from

DOLE 1 boosts … From

page 3

“Through creativity, you can de-rive more income and generate

employment by maximizing the use of existing resources,” Bailon, addressing the benefici-

aries, said. The Association of Mango Grow-

ers of Barangay Maipalig and Quiom in Batac City has been engaged in mango production for long years, which explains

why mango fruits are abundant as raw materials in the area.

Bailon said the association will initially engage in the production of puree, nectar, jam, chutney

and dried mango candies. “Wastage of raw materials will also be avoided by processing

them into different forms with longer shelf life,” Bailon said.

Regional Director Henry John Jalbuena said the DOLE liveli-hood program, as a strategy for

generating community-based employment, requires the abun-dance of raw materials in identi-

fied project areas as one way to ensure sustainability. “Post-production processing will add more value to the harvests, and

could spell greater income for the 258 beneficiaries,” Jalbuena said.

He added that the provision of livelihood among marginalized

sectors is in line with President Turn to next page


committed to facilitate the instal-lation of transportation and con-venience facilities. “The putting up of the DOLE-Rosales field office was con-ceived by former Secretary Mari-anito Roque way back his term as DOLE Secretary. It was his marching order to ensure that one-stop-shop dole services will be provided to workers in the 5th and 6th districts of Pangasinan,” he said, adding: “Now, the vision has acquired more relevance under the ad-ministration of President Noy and DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Di-mapilis-Baldoz who are commit-ted in bringing labor reforms, one of which is the establishment of one-stop-shop services for OFWs and other workers to

Rosales, Pangasinan – Acting Secretary Danilo Cruz led the re-cent inauguration and blessing of the field office of the Department of Labor and Employment in this municipality. “Our existing collaboration with our social partners has given birth to a complete menu of em-ployment services for all workers from the 5th and 6th districts of Pangasinan,” Cruz said. “Since November 2010, some members of the DOLE-Regional Coordinating Committee I like the Overseas Workers Welfare Ad-ministration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and National Conciliation and Media-tion Board have converged in this newly built DOLE field office,” Cruz added. Cruz said that beside the field office is the newly inaugurated training center of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and soon, a Profes-sional Regulation Commission office will also rise to almost complete all the family of DOLE offices. DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jal-buena said the event was a gath-ering of sort of officials and peo-ple who are part of the comple-tion of the project. In his opening message, he thanked Mr. Bobby Rodriguez, the donor of the 2,000 sq.m. lot; former Congressman Conrado Estrella III who funded the construction of the building through his countrywide develop-ment fund; and the local govern-ment unit of Rosales which

promote their welfare and to fa-cilitate redress of their griev-ances.” Located at the government cen-ter, Barangay Carmay, the DOLE Rosales is the third field office to be established in the Province of Pangasinan. The other two are found in the cities of Dagupan and Alaminos. asv

DOLE 1 boosts … From

page 6 Benigno Aquino III’s anti-poverty drive. The DOLE has partnered with the Department of Trade and Indus-try for technical assistance in product packaging and market-

ing. – Leonavella Dadiz/asv

DOLE top brass leads inauguration of Rosales Field Office


Dagupan City’s Hotels and Restaurants forge first voluntary code of good practices

The Industrial Tripartite Council

of the Hotel and Restaurant In-dustry of Dagupan City has re-cently adopted its voluntary

code of good practices which allows self-regulation of matters specified in the instrument.

Acting Secretary Danilo Cruz, who witnessed the signing of

the code, commended the stakeholders for leading the cultivation of volunteerism

among industries in the region. “The signing of the voluntary code for the industrial tripartite council of the hotel and restau-

rant industry of Dagupan City is the first step towards bolstering tripartite cooperation in ensur-

ing industrial peace,” he said. He said the Department is com-

mitted to carry out President Benigno Aquino III’s marching order to work with the private

and labor sector to strengthen tripartite cooperation and pro-mote industrial peace.

“Under a culture of volunteer-ism, the DOLE will empower

industries to institutionalize, at the plant level, dole initiated reforms in labor standards en-

forcement framework and labor arbitration and adjudication sys-tem,” he said.

Signatories to the instrument are labor and management rep-

resentatives from 59 hotels and restaurants in the city; Employ-ers Confederation of the Philip-

pines-Pangasinan Chapter; Phil-ippine Chamber of Commerce

and Industry-Pangasinan Chap-

ter and Association of Safety Practitioners of the Philippines, Inc./Occupational Safety and

Health Network. Heads of re-gional/provincial offices of the Pag-Ibig Fund, Philhealth, So-

cial Security System, Depart-ment of Health, National Con-ciliation and Mediation Board,

Department of Tourism, Re-gional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board and Techni-

cal Education and Skills Devel-opment Authority also signed as assisting agencies.

DOLE 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena said the signing of the voluntary code is just the be-

ginning of a reform which will go a long way towards

achieving inclusive growth

which is dependent both on capital and human investments. “By committing to the ideals

embodied in the code, you will help the government in devel-oping truly competitive human

resources and at the same time, create a conducive atmos-phere for business,” he added.

The hotel and restaurant indus-try of Dagupan City is seen as

one of the region’s key employ-ment generators, being the ma-jor front of the region’s domes-tic tourism.

In the same occasion, ECOP and PCCI have manifested their

support for other DOLE labor governance reforms. asv

DOLE Acting Secretary Danilo Cruz and RD Henry John Jalbuena sign

the first voluntary code of good practices ever adopted in the region. One

of the initiatives of Labor Chief Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, the code

aims to promote compliance with labor laws in industries through a cul-

ture of volunteerism among employers and employees.

sena facilitates more than p3.9 million in monetary...

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