IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY—The Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9) through the Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (ZSFO) with participation from Buug Public Employment Service Office conducted an activity entitled: Labor Relations, Human Relations and Productivity (LHP) Seminar on March 5, 2019 at the Buug Municipal Hall, Bliss Rd., Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay.

According to Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo, LHP is DOLE’s contribution in the labor education of both workers and business owners and managers, and is also aimed to address the challenge of productivity and business competitiveness in the work place.

Some 62 participants composed of 23 management representatives and 39 workers’ representatives attended the one-day, two-session activity tailored especially for them.

The seminar was administered considering that some of the owners or employers are not familiar with the different labor laws which have resulted to various issues and complications in meeting the needs of its employees.

The primary intention was to guide the employers to further thrive its leadership strategies, to empower and treat the employees as important assets in the organization and improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

It strengthened their capacity to manage certain situations and promoted wholesome relationship. One expected result was the development of a good working environment for both the employers and the workers.

Through the LHP, the employers were guided on how to boost their standards. It encouraged participants to develop Workplace Relations by putting emphasis on Human Relations and Productivity, updated them on new guidelines and related laws, and increased the awareness and promoted voluntary compliance on General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health Standards, and increased knowledge on Employees’ Compensation Programs, Social Welfare Benefits and DOLE employment services.

Participants shared that the seminar was helpful for they realized that they can lean on DOLE and that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Also, they realized that DOLE is not just for employee’s welfare but also for fair returns of investment, and that being an employer is a great opportunity not just to earn income but also to help those in need by providing employment. END/With reporting from Arian D. Labiano, ZSFO