Tacloban: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Eastern Visayas has resumed its High-Impact High Visibility Inspection (HIHVI) program, focusing on the construction sector to strengthen compliance with labor laws and workplace safety standards.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-8 Regional Director Dax Villaruel and Assistant Regional Director lawyer Joan Noya-Nidua, along with labor inspectors from the DOLE North Leyte field office, conducted inspections on June 15 and 16 at five construction sites in Tacloban City.

In a statement, DOLE-8 said the resumption aligns with Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino's directive to intensify labor law enforcement and ensure safer workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction.

The inspection team assessed compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and General Labor Standards, evaluating personal protective equipment, construction safety programs, welfare facilities, and labor standards including wages and statutory benefits.

"The initiative aims to ensure that workers are protected from occupational hazards while safeguarding their rights and welfare in the workplace," the regional office said.

The joint inspection was conducted with representatives from the Office of the Building Official, Bureau of Fire Protection, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Occupational Safety and Health Center, Employees' Compensation Commission, and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board.

Similar inspection activities will be carried out across Eastern Visayas throughout June as part of continuing efforts to strengthen compliance with labor laws and safety standards. The construction industry is considered among the country's high-risk sectors due to the nature of its work.