DOLE ADVOCATES VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE WITH LABOR STANDARDS, CAPACITATES MICRO-ESTABLISHMENTS IN NASUGBU, BATANGAS

Recognizing the significance of micro-establishments in providing employment opportunities and economic growth, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office IV-A - Batangas Provincial Office (DOLE BPO) conducted a Technical and Advisory Visit (TAV) held at the Batangas State University (BatStateU) The National Engineering University (The NEU) Apolinario R. Apacible School of Fisheries (ARASOF) - Nasugbu, Batangas, March 15.

A total of sixty-three (63) owners and representatives of micro establishments located in Nasugbu, Batangas attended the event of the DOLE BPO in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Office of Nasugbu (PESO), the Municipal Tourism Office of Nasugbu, and the BatStateU The NEU ARASOF - Nasugbu.

Ms. Patricia Mei Bilog, Assistant Labor Inspector, actively introduced the Technical and Advisory Program and shared insights on general labor standards with participants.

Labor Inspectors from the Department discussed matters concerning labor standards and occupational safety and health in the workplace.

“Ito pong TAV ay isa po sa newest program ng DOLE.. Ito ay para po ma-enhance ang knowledge sa general labor standards… at ito ay makakatulong sa pag-build ng employer and employee relationship. Ito ay isa sa magiging susi para sa pag unlad pa lalo ng ating business,” Ms. Patricia Mei Bilog remarked.

Reflecting on the learning session, Ms. Lilymore Gonzales, owner of JFL Food Services, provided a firsthand account of her experience and the impact of DOLE's TAV Program on her business journey.

Ms. Gonzales, the owner of JFL Food Services, openly shared about her business and her learning experience from the TAV.

“Actually, I’m really enlightened doon sa naging seminar. Like for example, ‘pag kumuha ako ng employee, kasi, I, myself naging employee din ako so ngayon ko lang nalaman ang tamang computation, and it’s really a lot of help most especially sa amin na nag-sta-start pa lang ng business… [Ang] key takeaway ko dito sa seminar niyo is yung care mo sa employee mo kasi feeling ko ‘yon naman ‘yong meaning ng DOLE - bigyan mo ng importansya ang employee mo kasi without them, ‘di naman mag-go-grow and mag-e-expand ang company mo,” Ms. Gonzales shared.

The knowledge gained through the sessions empowered Ms. Gonzales as she continued to grow her business. She passionately encouraged owners to attend and join the Technical and Advisory services, emphasizing the necessity to rely on reliable information when it comes to labor-related matters

“My suggestion is to really attend seminars kasi it’s really important to have a proper knowledge and all the information sa mga tamang tao talaga kasi mahirap yung hearsay na narinig ko na sabi ng ganito ng ganyan. Before, nangyari din yun sa akin and all the while I thought I had the right information. Actually, this is my first time to attend the seminar and nagkaroon ako ng enlightenment and proper knowledge. Now maaapply ko siya sa mga future employees ko din. I’m so grateful to be able to attend this seminar,” Ms. Gonzales exclaimed.

Having experienced one of the services that DOLE offers, Ms. Gonzales acknowledged the accessible services and streamlined business operations.

“Right now, ang na notice ko lang ay easy access na sa DOLE which is really good kasi mas madali siya para sa amin,” Ms. Gonzales remarked.

The department aims to continually provide accessible, enlightening, and empowering services to promote voluntary compliance with labor laws among micro establishments through the DOLE’s TAV program.