TACLOBAN CITY — A total of 53 business owners and management representatives from various industries in Biliran province participated in a three-day Labor and Employment Forum organized by the Department of Labor and Employment–Biliran Field Office (DOLE-BFO).
Participants came from the retail and wholesale trade sector, hotel and tourism services, and the construction industry. The activity was conducted in partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and the Pag-IBIG Fund.
The forum sought to strengthen employers’ understanding of updated labor policies while fostering deeper inter-agency collaboration toward compliant and harmonious workplaces.
DOLE-BFO Head Francisco Segovia Jr., along with Assistant Labor Inspector Pastor Angelo Catilogo III, led the discussions on key labor standards. These covered the Occupational Safety and Health Standards under Department Order 252-25, updates to Labor Standards Administration (DO 283-23), and the implementation of social welfare and protection programs for workers.
A notable highlight of the event was the introduction of the “P20 Bigas Meron Na (PBBM Na) Program,” a collaborative initiative that aims to engage government agencies, employers, and workers in addressing industry challenges while assuring safe and compliant work environments.
Partner agencies also shared major updates during the forum. The PSA presented the latest labor market statistics for Biliran, PhilHealth rolled out its YAKAP Program, while resource speakers from SSS and Pag-IBIG discussed their services and ongoing initiatives for workers and employers.
The DOLE-BFO expressed optimism that the participation of the 53 business leaders will translate into more compliant, productive, and peaceful workplaces across the province, strengthening labor-management cooperation in Biliran.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
