DOLE BATANGAS EMPOWERS SMEs THROUGH ORIENTATION ON FAMILY WELFARE PROGRAM, LABOR STANDARDS

In a proactive move to strengthen workplace harmony and employee well-being, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas Provincial Office successfully conducted a comprehensive orientation on the Family Welfare Program (FWP) and ILO Convention No. 190 at DOLE Batangas 3^rd Floor Training Center The Olan Place, Marawoy Lipa City Batangas, March 31.

Dir. Predelma Tan/ Provincial Head on her opening remarks (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

The event gathered representatives from various industries across the province, specifically targeting small to medium-sized companies employing fewer than 200 workers. 

The initiative aimed to bridge the information gap for smaller enterprises, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to implement robust labor standards and welfare programs usually seen in larger corporations.

The morning session kicked off with a deep dive into General Labor Standards, led by Ms. Mirasol Celemin, Senior Labor and Employment Officer. Ms. Celemin’s discussion focused on the essential legalities of the workplace, providing clear guidelines on wages, benefits, and hours of work to ensure both employers and workers operate within a fair and compliant environment.

Ms. Mirasol Celemin on her discussion on General Labor Standards (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Shifting the focus to the holistic development of the workforce, Ms. Ricaela Salazar-Bautista, Labor and Employment Officer II and FWP Focal Person, headlined the second half of the program. She introduced the core pillars of the Family Welfare Program, emphasizing how a family-centered approach to management can lead to higher morale and increased productivity. 

A critical highlight of Ms. Salazar-Bautista’s presentation was the discussion on ILO Convention No. 190, the first international labor standard to address violence and harassment in the world of work. 

She underscored the commitment of DOLE to fostering "inclusive, respectful, and safe" work environments where dignity is a priority for every Batangueño worker.

Ms. Ricaela F. Salazar on her discussion on Family Welfare Program and ILO Convention No. 190 (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Beyond the lectures, the event served as a dynamic platform for the sharing of best practices. Representatives from participating companies shared successful FWP activities they have implemented, offering a roadmap for smaller companies to adapt these strategies to their own unique workplace cultures.

Attendees of the Orientation with Dir. Predelma Tan (Photo by Nomer Villapando/ DOLE-BPO)

By the end of the orientation, participants expressed a renewed commitment to enhancing their current internal practices. This initiative by DOLE Batangas reinforces the department's mission: that a well-informed industry is the foundation of a stable and thriving provincial economy.