DOLE Batangas Deepens FOA Awareness Through Capacity Building with Security Forces

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A, through its Batangas Provincial Office, conducted a focused capacity-building activity today, April 22, 2025, at the 3rd Floor Training Room of its office in Brgy. Marawoy, Lipa City, Batangas.

Security forces with Dir. Predelma Tan, Atty. Dennis Manzanero, Ms. Aileen Edades, and Ms. Ann Jelyn Natividad after the FOA session. (Photo by B. Ingco)

According to Ms. Ann Jelyn Natividad, Labor Relations Focal Person of DOLE Batangas, the session served as a breakout activity following the Regional Orientation on the Freedom of Association (FOA).

The activity brought together twenty-three (23) participants from nine (9) local police stations and the Philippine Army to deepen their understanding of basic human rights, FOA principles, and related civil liberties. 

Dir. Predelma Tan greeted participants and outlined the FOA activity’s goals and topics. (Photo by B. Ingco)

In her opening remarks, DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan emphasized the importance of the capacity-building session in reinforcing key concepts discussed during the regional orientation. She noted that the activity offers an opportunity to clarify the responsibilities of each stakeholder in upholding FOA.

“Tayo po ay magkakaroon ng konting kalinawan what would be the role of each one of us, kayo po at ang role po ni DOLE as far as Freedom of Association is concerned,” Dir. Tan remarked.

Director Tan also underscored that as a signatory to ILO Convention 87, the Philippines recognizes freedom of association as a core labor right. She reiterated DOLE’s crucial role in ensuring that this right is both respected and protected.

Atty. Dennis Manzanero shared his expertise on FOA guidelines and addressed participants' questions. (Photo by B. Ingco)

Atty. Dennis Manzanero, MALSU IV-A, opened the learning sessions with a discussion on the Omnibus Guidelines on FOA and Civil Liberties, highlighting their practical application in the work of security forces.

“Ang freedom of association ay karapatan nating lahat. Kung wala tayong freedom of association, ay hindi tayo democratic na country,” Atty. Manzanero stressed.

Ms. Aileen C. Edades engaged the participants with her expert insights on basic human rights. (Photo by B. Ingco)

Meanwhile, the second topic, focused on basic human rights, in which Ms. Aileen C. Edades, Information Officer III from the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), provided a foundational overview of basic human rights and their relevance to peacekeeping and public service.

This capacity-building initiative marks another step in strengthening collaboration between DOLE and the security sector, fostering shared accountability and informed action in promoting democratic values and labor rights. It also affirms the government’s commitment to fostering a labor and employment sector that respects fundamental rights at work and upholds industrial peace.

-BEA MARI M. INGCO