DOLE INTENSIFIES HIGH-IMPACT, HIGH-VISIBILITY LABOR INSPECTION ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN SAN JUAN, BATANGAS

In a move to bolster workforce protection and ensure strict adherence to labor standards, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas has intensified its High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspection (HIHVI) campaign last 24 June 2026 in San Juan, Batangas. 

Aligned with the strategic initiative and directives of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, DOLE continues to ensure that regulatory standards are upheld across the province.

DOLE Batangas Provincial Director, Dir. Predelma Tan on her message as the HIHVI commence in San Juan Batangas (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

In full force, a team from DOLE Batangas recently conducted a comprehensive, onsite labor inspection at the two condominium construction sites in Laiya Aplaya and Subukin, San Juan, Batangas. 

Under the active leadership of Director Predelma M. Tan, the inspection served as a mechanism to safeguard the rights and welfare of employees by inspecting records on compensation and mandated statutory benefits.

Furthermore, inspectors also checked the safety of workers by looking into the provision of appropriate and adequate Personal Protective Equipment for all personnel. 

“Kapag si DOLE ang bumibisita sa inyo, ang tinitingnan po namin ay ang general labor standards. Magkano ang pasahod, kung tama po ito at kung tama rin pong naibibigay sa ating mga empleyado. At specifically po kapag ganitong klase ng activity, kagaya po nito na construction, naka-focus po kami sa safety and health, occupational safety and health standards po ang main focus po ng aming opisina, specifically po sa mga construction project”, Dir. Tan noted. 

Furthermore, the initiative assesses the workplace to ensure that all duties are performed in a safe, healthy, and hazard-free environment. 

Workers of Solmera Coast wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during work hours (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

Director Tan explained that since the site involves construction, the team’s primary focus was the enforcement of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards. 

Workers of Solmera Coast wearing proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during work hours (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

The visit also provided an opportunity to engage directly with the workers on-site, who expressed their appreciation for the government’s presence. 

Mr. Noli Anonical, a man hoist operator, extended his gratitude to Secretary Tolentino, noting that such visits are essential for transparency. 

"Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Secretary Tolentino sa pagpunta dito ng DOLE, nagpapasalamat po ako kasi natutupad yung mga kailangan ng manggagawa, binibigay nila yung mga benepisyo namin, lahat ng pangangailangan na para sa tao habang kami ay nagtatrabaho sa isang company. At para na din malaman namin kung ano yung mga kakulangan ng isang company," he stated, adding that the inspection confirms the company is fulfilling its obligations and providing necessary benefits. 

Mr. Noli Anonical, Man Hoist Operator in Club Laiya, Laiya San Juan Batangas (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Mark Pangilinan, who works in site monitoring, highlighted that these visits make the workers feel seen and supported.

"Mahalagang-mahalaga po samin ang ganitong inspection para malaman ang sitwasyon namin dito," he shared, emphasizing that the direct presence of DOLE serves as a vital check on company compliance on labor standards.

When asked about the government's role in their welfare, Pangilinan expressed his deep gratitude, stating, "Maraming salamat po dahil kami ay hindi niyo napapabayaan." 

Mr. Mark Pangilinan, Site Monitoring during Interview at Club Laiya, Laiya San Juan Batangas (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

Adding to the collective voice of the workers, Mr. John Steven De Guzman, a carpenter on-site, also voiced his gratitude for the visit. 

He highlighted the importance of having a direct line to the department, noting, "Nagpapasalamat po kami sa DOLE na bumababa po sila sa bawat kumpanya, nagpapasalamat din po kami para kung sakali pong kailanganin namin ng tulong mula sa DOLE, e madidinig po ng DOLE ang mga hinaing namin."

Mr. John Steven De Guzman, Carpenter in Solmera Coast, Calubcub San Juan Batangas (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

Recognizing that comprehensive labor compliance involves various facets of social security and local governance, DOLE Batangas has adopted a collaborative approach to its enforcement activities. The onsite inspection at the construction sites was bolstered by the participation of representatives from several key partner agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), the Home Development Mutual Fund (PAG-IBIG), the Social Security System (SSS), and the Local Government Unit of San Juan. 

Director Tan expressed her gratitude to the Local Government Unit of San Juan for its utmost support in the conduct of inspection, stating, "Nagpapasalamat po kami sa LGU San Juan, dahil ina-assist po kami at gina-guide po nila kami." 

This multi-agency participation is designed to promote holistic compliance, ensuring that employers are not only meeting labor standards but are also fulfilling their essential obligations regarding social protection regulations.

Workers, DOLE Inspectors, and Officers of other Agencies in commencement of the HIHVI (Photo by: Leomar De Torres/DOLE BPO)

Through this sustained inter-agency collaboration and proactive engagement with stakeholders, DOLE Batangas remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting decent work standards and fostering safe, sustainable workplaces. 

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