DOLE, IBP to expand legal aid

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Private workers in Albay and Sorsogon provinces will have additional learnings and awareness in labor rights after the Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Thursday to expand legal aid.

In a phone interview on Friday, DOLE-5 Director Imelda Gatinao said the partnership is aimed at promoting labor rights, empowering informal workers and strengthening labor-employer relations across the region.

"For now, the MOA is between the IBP of Sorsogon and Albay, but hopefully we will have it all in the six provinces. It will be implemented throughout the year," Gatinao said.

The partnership includes labor education sessions, free legal assistance services, legal aid, caravan of services, community legal literacy seminars, and technical and legal consultations in strengthening the rights of workers, particularly those in the vulnerable sectors.

She said workers who want to seek legal aid must go to the DOLE for referral.

Meanwhile, Gatinao said that 114 applicants were hired on the spot during the Labor Day Job Fair on Thursday.

"We have 1,254 applicants registered, 114 were hired on the spot, 75 were nearly hired or those who need to comply with additional documentary requirements, and 435 qualified. We will help these qualified applicants since they just need additional requirements," she said.

Jayric Guillon, 27, of Buyo, Manito, Albay, one of those hired on the spot, lined up at the job fair at 10 a.m.

He did not expect to be immediately hired as a clerk at Supervalue Inc. SM.

"I think being hardwork- ing and having good communication skills are the reasons why I was hired. I am a former government internship program (GIP) beneficiary and it helped me a lot in honing my skills," he said.

Another instant hire, Marilyn Bongalos, 39, is a mother of three from Tabaco City.

"I lined up early at the job fair and was overjoyed when I was immediately hired as a merchandiser at Natcorp. My time was not wasted, a new hope for our family," she said.

She advised other job seekers to not give up and wait for the right opportunity.

Best livelihood projects

The DOLE also awarded groups and individuals who helped generate employment within their communities.

Gatinao said the initial grants provided six to 12 months ago to the groups and individuals helped them become employers themselves, creating jobs for others.

In the group category, the top prize went to a restaurant owner in Mobo, Masbate; the second prize to a massage business in Bulusan, Sorsogon; and the third prize to a dry-taro project in Camarines Norte.

For the individual category, the first prize went to a tablea vendor in Bulan, Sorsogon, who now employs more than five individuals. The second prize was given to a mechanic shop in Masbate province and the third prize to a catering service in Camarines Norte.

Gatinao emphasized that the awards highlighted the dedication and perseverance of the groups and individuals in sustaining their livelihoods. (PNA)

MORE LEGAL AID. Officials of the Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) show a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to expand labor aid among workers, signed at Ayala Mall, Legazpi City on Thursday (May 1, 2025). Gatinao said the partnership aimed to promote labor rights, empower informal workers, and strengthen labor-employer relations across the region. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-5)