Labor dept in Bicol rolls out TAV service in CamSur town

LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur --- To boost the compliance to labor standards of micro-establishments employing one to nine workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Bicol Region through its provincial office in Camarines Sur rolled out its first Technical and Advisory (TAV) Service on Friday, at the Libmanan Municipal Building in Libmanan, Camarines Sur.

The joint effort between DOLE Bicol and the Local Government Unit of Libmanan, brought together 49 micro-establishments from the retail and food service industries.

Under DOLE’s Department Order (DO) No. 238, series of 2023, Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita said the TAV is a new labor inspection strategy which will improve the quality and depth of inspections of private establishments in the country. It is combined with other interventions as an integral part of the new inspection framework.

“Malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng ating micro establishments sa pagsulong ng pang rehiyong ekonomiya at pagbibigay ng trabaho sa mga Bikolano kaya naman mahalaga nating matulungan sila na mag comply sa general labor standard at occupational safety and health standards upang maprotektahan ang mga manggagawa at mabigyan ng pantay na oportunidad sa trbaho,” RD Campita said.

It shall be conducted by labor inspectors (LI) assisted by assistant labor inspectors (ALI) of regional offices by sending invitation letters to concerned micro establishments. The LIs and ALIs can implement the TAV through online, onsite, or hybrid sessions and will cover the following: general labor standards, occupational safety and health standards; productivity toolbox; child and family welfare program; and other DOLE policies and programs.

Through TAV, DOLE’s labor inspectors will look more closely at substantive matters, such as compliance with rules on working hours and proper payment of benefits, including a “non-negotiable” stance on occupational safety and health in compliance with the newly-passed occupational safety and health law.

“Community based micro-enterprise owners-attendees are overwhelming with the full support of the LCE of LGU Libmanan as the pilot area. Meaning our employers are much willing to know their duties and obligations to their workers in creating a culture of compliance on general labor standards, occupational safety and health and productivity right from the start,” Ma. Ella E. Verano, DOLE CSPO Head said.

Among the participants was Mary Grace Dalangin, a representative of the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. who expressed her appreciation in the conduct of TAV in her municipality.

“Accessible po ang TAV. Dai na po masyadong hassle and yung explanation naman understandable naman po at malinaw. So, dakulang tabang po ini samuya kasi nalilinawan, kung ano ba ang karapatan bilang isang empleyado and kung ano dapat itao kan company. Na-enlighten kami sa gabos na pwede makatabang palan na arog kaini through TAV,” Dalangin shared.

In attendance during the roll out conduct of TAV were Athena M. Florida, TAV Focal / Labor Inspector; Ruby I. Agustin, Sharmaine G. Marbella and Licerio D. Abejuro, III, ALIs; Roxanne P. Siguenza, TUPAD PC; Jesus Jes Camara, Libmanan Municipal Mayor; Epifanio O. Borras, Libmanan PESO Manager; and 49 business owners from Hardware, rice mill, restaurant, poultry, micro finance/lending, lying in clinic, water refilling stations and retail services.