Albay: 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.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-5 Director Imelda Gatinao stated in a phone interview that the partnership is aimed at promoting labor rights, empowering informal workers, and strengthening labor-employer relations across the region. Gatinao mentioned that while the MOA currently involves the IBP of Sorsogon and Albay, there are plans to extend it to all six provinces in the region, with implementation set for the entire year.
The partnership will provide labor education sessions, free legal assistance services, legal aid, a caravan of services, community legal literacy seminars, and technical and legal consultations to strengthen workers' rights, particularly those in vulnerable sectors. Workers seeking legal aid must visit DOLE for referral.
In addition to the legal aid agreement, the Labor Day Job Fair on Thursday saw 114 applicants hired on the spot. Gatinao noted that out of 1,254 registered applicants, 75 were nearly hired, needing to comply with additional documentary requirements, while 435 were qualified but required further requirements. DOLE plans to assist these qualified applicants.
Jayric Guillon, 27, from Buyo, Manito, Albay, was one of those hired on the spot as a clerk at Supervalue Inc. SM. He attributed his success to his hardworking nature and good communication skills, which were honed during his time as a government internship program beneficiary. Similarly, Marilyn Bongalos, 39, a mother of three from Tabaco City, was hired as a merchandiser at Natcorp, expressing joy and renewed hope for her family.
DOLE also recognized groups and individuals who generated employment within their communities. Initial grants provided six to 12 months ago helped these groups and individuals become employers themselves. In the group category, a restaurant owner in Mobo, Masbate, won the top prize, followed by a massage business in Bulusan, Sorsogon, and a dry-taro project in Camarines Norte. In the individual category, a tablea vendor in Bulan, Sorsogon, who now employs more than five individuals, won first prize, with a mechanic shop in Masbate and a catering service in Camarines Norte taking second and third prizes, respectively.
Gatinao highlighted the dedication and perseverance of the awardees in sustaining their livelihoods.
