DOLE, LGU, TIPC LEAD EMPLOYERS’ FORUM IN TANAUAN CITY

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) IV-A, through its Batangas Provincial Office, in partnership with the Tanauan City Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (TIPC) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Tanauan City, successfully conducted an Employers’ Forum at the Tanauan City Hall, highlighting key government programs that directly support both employers and workers, March 6.

(Representatives from various companies participated in the employers’ forum at Tanauan City. Photo by L. De Torres)

The forum gathered employers, government partners, and stakeholders in a collaborative effort to strengthen industrial harmony, improve compliance with labor programs, and expand employment opportunities in the city.

A major highlight of the activity was the series of learning sessions that provided practical insights and accessible services to participating employers.

Representatives from PhilHealth introduced the YAKAP Program, which aims to improve members’ access to healthcare benefits and streamline services for employers and employees. The session also equipped employers to better understand their responsibilities and the available support mechanisms, ensuring that workers receive proper social protection and health coverage.

Meanwhile, DOLE Batangas JobStart Focal Person, Ms. April Rose Magpantay led an orientation on the JobStart Program, equipping employers with knowledge on how they can participate in providing training and employment opportunities to young jobseekers. Her discussion emphasized how the program bridges the gap between education and employment, enabling companies to develop a skilled and job-ready workforce while giving youth meaningful career pathways.

Further strengthening the forum’s practical value, Tanauan City PESO Manager Edison Jallores Jr. presented the core functions and services of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO). Mr. Jallores’ session underscored PESO’s role in employment facilitation, career guidance, and labor market information, highlighting how employers can partner with PESO for recruitment, job matching, and workforce development initiatives.

Through these lectures, participants gained a clearer understanding of how government programs can be maximized to support business operations while safeguarding employee welfare. The sessions also reinforced the importance of active employer participation in government-led initiatives.

DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan emphasized the significance of these programs in advancing inclusive growth, while also encouraging stronger engagement with the Tanauan City TIPC as a platform for collaboration among labor, management, and government.

In her message, Tan expressed appreciation to the participants, stating, “On behalf of the Department of Labor and Employment, first nagpapasalamat po kami sa pagdalo ninyo sa araw na ito. Thank you so much po since despite your busy schedules, naka-attend pa rin po kayo dito sa ating very short notice na activity.”

She also highlighted the importance of the tripartite council, noting, “Nais po namin silang ipakilala sa inyo na mayroon po palang ganoong organization na meron tayo dito sa Tanauan City,” and thanked the LGU for its leadership, adding, “Nagpapasalamat po kami sa city government ng Tanauan, especially po kay Mayor Sonny, for accepting the chairmanship of Tanauan TIPC.”

(Director Tan addressed the participants and recognized the continued initiatives of the Tanauan TIPC. Photo by L. De Torres)

City officials, including Mayor Nelson “Sonny” Collantes, Councilor Macky Gonzales, and the representative of Councilor Tirso Oruga, reaffirmed their support for initiatives that benefit both employers and workers, as well as their continued partnership with DOLE, PESO, and the TIPC.

In her closing message, Ruth Eloise D. Tenajeros, Vice Chairperson for the Management Sector of the Tanauan City TIPC and representative from Nestlé Philippines, Inc., emphasized the value of collaboration among stakeholders.

“In behalf of the Tanauan TIPC, we would like to thank the stakeholders and all the employers who took their time to be here with us today,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to partner institutions, adding, “I would also like to thank the DOLE team… and of course the LGU, headed by Mayor Collantes, the PESO… for your continued support to TIPC and of course the businesses here in Tanauan.” she remarked.

The forum concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to actively utilize government programs and strengthen partnerships, reinforcing the shared goal of building productive workplaces and expanding employment opportunities in Tanauan City.

Through initiatives like this, DOLE Batangas and its partners continue to promote informed, empowered, and collaborative workplaces across the province.#