FARM WORKER RECEIVES UNPAID WAGES, BENEFITS THROUGH DOLE SEnA IN BATANGAS

A 42-year-old farm worker successfully recovered unpaid wages and benefits through the intervention of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Batangas under its Single Entry Approach (SENA) program.

Michelle Dimaano Delen, a resident of Brgy. Maligaya in Rosario filed a request for assistance after raising concerns over alleged underpayment of wages and non-payment of her 13th-month pay following several years of employment as a housekeeping staff and later as a gardener in a local farm.

The case was handled by Ms. Ann Jelyn Natividad, Senior Labor and Employment Officer and SENA Focal Person of DOLE Batangas, who facilitated a series of conciliation-mediation conferences between the parties. Despite initial disagreements during the first two meetings, both parties reached a settlement during the third conference.

The final settlement concluded on April 6, 2026, at the DOLE Batangas office, where Delen received her monetary claims, including wage differentials and her 13th-month pay.

Natividad noted that cases involving underpayment can be particularly challenging, especially when the complainant is still employed. However, she emphasized that the respondent in this case remained cooperative throughout the process.

“Very challenging kapag ang issue ay underpayment of salary, lalo na kung employed pa ang filer. Pero very cooperative naman ang respondent and willing to settle the issue from the start,” Natividad said.

She added that DOLE Batangas is also exploring further interventions to assist other affected workers.

“As to ways forward, we are looking for other assistance we can provide sa ibang workers na affected din whether nag-file sila ng SENA or hindi, including the possible conduct of labor inspection,” she added.

Delen expressed her gratitude to DOLE Batangas and the SENA desk officer for helping resolve her case without further escalation.

“Yung pag-handle ni Ms. Jelyn sa amin, maayos naman po at mabait siya. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa DOLE dahil hindi na po umabot sa NLRC at naibigay po sa akin yung nararapat na para sa akin,” she said.

She also encouraged fellow workers experiencing similar concerns to seek assistance and stand up for their rights.

“Huwag po tayong matakot. Kung alam nating may mali at may karapatan tayo, ipaglaban po natin,” she added.

Delen shared that the amount she received will be used as initial capital for a small sari-sari store, providing her with an opportunity to start a new livelihood.

DOLE Batangas continues to promote the SENA program as an effective mechanism for the speedy and amicable settlement of labor disputes, reinforcing its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and welfare.#