ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) conducted the second leg of the Employers Forum, a one- stop-shop for Human Resource practitioners, the region’s contribution to the department’s goal of bringing DOLE closer to its clients, on November 15, 2019 in Zamboanga City.
Attended by some 40 HR practitioners from private sectors and partner industries, the forum aims to provide knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers, work ethics, values, skills and other relevant information on DOLE issuances, programs and services.
DOLE 9 Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo personally welcomed the participants, explaining the activity’s rationale:
“The Employers Forum will be conducted regularly as part of the Department’s Labor and Employment Education Service. We see this as an opportunity to extend our help to the private sector to address any issue or concern they might have in respect to inspections conducted by DOLE in their establishments.”
The Forum consists of learning sessions led by DOLE’s Training Management Team on topics such as occupational health and safety standards, contracting & subcontracting, administration and enforcement of labor laws and the penalties for non-payment of minimum wage.
The Regional Tripartite and Wages Productivity Board IX (RTWPB 9) also shared productivity incentive schemes to help increase employee productivity at the workplace.
DOLE 9 invited partner agencies such as the Social Security System, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG HDMF to update HR practitioners with updates on their programs and services.
An open forum was also in place to cater to questions from the participants and to provide an interactive environment for parties involved.
Ms. Zeny Arbilera, Operations Manager of Zenar Telecoms, actively participated in the open forum airing her questions on employee resignation, SSS benefits and availment payment of Pag-Ibig premiums.
She also expressed her interest in sending some of her HR staff to attend the said forum as it has helped her appreciate General Labor standards more.
The next leg of the Employer’s Forum will be conducted on December 13, 2019 (Friday) at the DOLE 9 Conference Room, Sta. Catalina, this City. Interested employers may pre-register for available slots by contacting Ms. Jasmin Panelo, Senior Labor & Employment Officer, at (062) 991-3376 or 955-0214 or via email at dole9record@yahoo.com. END / Karen Claire Q. Grafia