186 MICRO-ESTABLISHMENT OWNERS UNDERGO DOLE BATANGAS-LED TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY VISIT IN CALACA CITY

DOLE-Batangas
1 day ago
2 min read

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A, through its Batangas Provincial Office, conducted the Technical and Advisory Visit (TAV) Program for 186 micro establishment owners and representatives on June 5, 2025, at Calaca City Gymnasium.

Owners and representatives from various micro establishments in the City of Calaca received Technical and advisory services from DOLE BPO. (Photo by N. Villapando) — *Owners and representatives from various micro establishments in the City of Calaca received Technical and advisory services from DOLE BPO.* *(Photo by N. Villapando)*

The session commenced with an overview of the TAV Program and its goal to offer practical, comprehensive guidance on labor laws tailored for micro enterprises. Discussions focused on General Labor Standards, including wage regulations and legally mandated benefits, while emphasizing that strong workplace practices lead to better employee welfare and sustainable business growth.

“Ang layunin ng Technical and Advisory Program ay maibahagi ang mga impormasyon mula sa ating batas paggawa upang matulungan kayo sa mas maayos na pamamahala ng inyong mga tauhan. Naniniwala po kami na ito ay may domino effect. Kapag maayos ang pamamalakad, naibibigay rin ang nararapat na benepisyo sa mga manggagawa, at nagkakaroon ito ng positibong epekto sa success ng inyong negosyo.” Ms. Bea Mari Ingco, Labor and Employment Officer III, remarked.

Ms. Ingco shared the importance of the Technical and Advisory Program and discussed topics related to General Labor standards. (Photo by N. Villapando) — *Ms. Ingco shared the importance of the Technical and Advisory Program and discussed topics related to General Labor standards.* *(Photo by N. Villapando)*

The discussion on Occupational Safety and Health Standards (OSHS) followed, focusing on practical and cost-efficient safety measures suited for small workplaces. Participants also viewed an audio-visual segment featuring DOLE’s advocacy programs on Productivity, Child Labor Prevention, and the Family Welfare Program, encouraging business owners to adopt people-centered workplace strategies.

Among the participants, longtime business owner Josephine D. Pilapil of Barangay Timbain, Calaca, attended the event to deepen her knowledge as both an employer and entrepreneur. After starting a bakery in 1997, Ms. Pilapil has expanded operations to include a bakery supply shop and a small fruit and vegetable stand.

“Ang pag-attend nga po jan ay isang biyaya…Marami po akong ‘di alam sa mga ganyan. Lalo na kapag sinabing DOLE, kapag napakinggan ko ‘yun, ang alam ko [lang] agad ay tungkol sa salary. Gusto ko pong ma-i-correct kung may mali ako… Okay naman po may natututunan po [ako], kaya ako po talaga mismo ang pumunta… gusto ko ako mismo ang umattend.” Ms. Josephine Pilapil shared.

Ms. Josephine Pilapil, a 60-year-old microbusiness entrepreneur, joined the TAV activity in Calaca City. (Photo by N. Villapando) — *Ms. Josephine Pilapil, a 60-year-old microbusiness entrepreneur, joined the TAV activity in Calaca City.* *(Photo by N. Villapando)*

Reflecting further, Ms. Pilapil emphasized the value of programs like the TAV in helping micro-entrepreneurs understand their duties as employers.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa DOLE dahil nagbibigay sila ng oras para kaming mga manininda ay matuto,” Ms. Pilapil added.

The activity aimed to strengthen awareness of labor laws and encourage voluntary compliance among micro enterprises in the city.

Through this initiative, DOLE Batangas continues to deliver labor education directly to communities, empowering micro enterprises to build fair, lawful, and thriving workplaces.