Bus conductor receives benefits due to disability

By Jennifer Olivar

A 58-year-old individual with a disability, known as Tony, hailing from Brgy. Tiris, Casiguran, Sorsogon, has successfully received his entitled claims totalling P145,155.00 after two decades of service as a bus conductor in a well-known bus company. This achievement was made possible through the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) program, administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sorsogon Provincial Office, and the process was finalized on a Thursday.

In Tony’s case, he initiated his request for assistance via the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) on August 18, 2023, at DOLE-SPO to secure the monetary benefits mentioned above. Due to his disability, his ability to fulfil his responsibilities within the bus company was limited, prompting the company’s top management to grant his financial request.

A total of four SEnA conferences were conducted by the Single Entry Approach Desk Officer (SEADO), Russell Ulysses I. Nieves. Both parties actively engaged in discussions to address the pertinent issues and concerns, particularly the computation of sick leave benefits and separation pay. Subsequently, they reached a mutually agreeable settlement, benefiting both parties. In exchange, the requesting party provided a quitclaim and release in favor of the employer.

Expressing his gratitude, Tony remarked, “Salamatunon tabi sa DOLE Sorsogon, dako na ini na bulig para sa ako nan sa pamilya ko nan malulukat ko na ang ingod ko na nakasanla.”

Meanwhile, Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita noted that an increasing number of workers and employers in the Bicol region have recognized the value of adopting SEnA as an effective means of dispute resolution, thus reducing the need for formal complaints against employers.

SEnA, a flagship program of the Department, mandates a 30-day conciliation and mediation period for all complaints, promoting a fair settlement before the disputes are referred for arbitration.