OVER 100 PARTICIPANTS JOIN WORLD DAY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK 2026 CELEBRATION IN BATANGAS

DOLE CALABARZON, in partnership with OSHC Region IV-A, led the observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026 at the DOLE Batangas Provincial Office in Lipa City, Batangas, convening around 100 employers, HR practitioners, safety officers, and stakeholders to promote a healthy psychosocial working environment on April 28.

Regional Director Erwin N. Aquino, in his message, stressed that not all workplace risks are visible and urged organizations to adopt more compassionate and mindful approaches.

Atty. Erwin Aquino/ DOLE 4-A Regional Director delivering his message  (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Meanwhile, DOLE Batangas Provincial Director Predelma M. Tan emphasized that workplace safety should not only focus on physical hazards, but it must also encompass factors that make every worker feel seen, heard, and supported. 

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

During the activity proper, participants learned psychosocial hazards such as stress, burnout, and evolving workplace challenges. Moreover, they also took part in the commitment wall signing that signified their continued oath to promote awareness, shared responsibility, and practical action toward healthier workplaces. 

They also watched a film underscoring the relevance of this year’s theme on psychosocial matters.

Participants lauded the initiative for its relevance and practical impact, particularly in addressing real-world challenges faced by today’s workforce.

All attendees of the World Safety Day Celebration during the session (Photo by Leomar De Torres/ DOLE-BPO)

Normandy Villanueva, President of the Sales Department of Coca-Cola South Luzon, underscored the importance of awareness-driven programs, stating, “Malaki pong factor ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong events for awareness sa ating mga manggagawa at sa lahat po ng mga naka-kumpanya.” 

Villanueva further shared that the learnings gained can be transformed into union-led initiatives: “Sa lahat po ng mga learnings na natutunan namin, maganda pong mai-share at maging campaign o advocacy ng bawat union ang pagkakaroon ng isang healthy environment especially po sa ating mga trabaho.” 

He added that their union intends to promote discipline, safety, and continuous learning through regular trainings and discussions, and expressed appreciation to the organizers, saying, “Maraming-maraming salamat po… congratulations po for a very successful event and more power po.”

Normandy Villanueva, President of the Sales Department of Coca-Cola South Luzon (Photo by April Rose N. Magpantay/ DOLE-BPO)

For his part, Jonathan Topacio, Safety Manager of the Philippine Manufacturing Company of Murata in FPIP Tanauan City and an OSH professional with three decades of experience, emphasized the urgency of addressing psychosocial hazards in today’s workplaces. “The emerging trend of new hazard which is psychosocial hazard… it’s the right timing that this emerging hazard is important to address and mitigate,” he said.

Topacio also highlighted the importance of understanding younger workers, stating, “We have to be open-minded and more empathic… especially with the new or young generation, the Gen Zs in the workplace.” 

He warned of potential consequences if left unaddressed: “If this would not be addressed… we may experience high turnover rates leading to burnt out, stressed out employees.” With the knowledge gained, he expressed readiness to act: “This is a good opportunity and learning for me… to collaborate… integrating mental health program in our annual company program,” Topacio added.

Jonathan Topacio, Safety Manager of the Philippine Manufacturing Company of Murata in FPIP Tanauan City and an OSH professional (Photo by John Paul Dawis/ DOLE-BPO)

By embedding these principles into everyday work culture, DOLE CALABARZON envisions workplaces that not only safeguard employees from harm but also empower them to thrive, physically, mentally, and emotionally.#