TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-8) has intensified its inspection drive on major construction projects in Ormoc City and Northern Samar to ensure strict compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health (OSH) standards.
The two-day High Impact High Visibility Inspection (HIHVI) conducted on June 22–23 forms part of the government’s strengthened campaign to safeguard workers’ welfare and promote safe and decent workplaces, in line with directives to strictly enforce labor standards nationwide.
In Northern Samar, the DOLE-Northern Samar Field Office inspected selected construction sites in Catarman to assess compliance with labor regulations and workplace safety requirements.
The inspection team, led by Provincial Head Engr. Primo Guarin, was joined by representatives from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine National Police in Catarman. Prior to the field inspection, participating agencies held a coordination meeting to align enforcement strategies and strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
In Ormoc City, the DOLE-West Leyte Field Office, together with partner agencies, inspected six ongoing construction projects inside the compound of a large energy firm.
The Ormoc inspection team was led by Engr. Joseph Niño Pey of DOLE Regional Office VIII and Darwinda Labastida of DOLE-West Leyte Field Office, with support from personnel headed by Rosilito Ygaña. They were joined by representatives from the Energy Development Corporation, Bureau of Fire Protection, Office of the Building Official, Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and the Pag-IBIG Fund.
Across both sites, labor inspectors evaluated compliance with key labor and safety requirements, including the provision and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), installation of safety signage, emergency preparedness measures, and adherence to minimum wage and other statutory labor benefits.
Employers and workers were also engaged in on-site dialogues, where inspectors provided guidance on correcting identified deficiencies and emphasized preventive measures to avoid workplace accidents and occupational hazards.
In Ormoc, partner agencies also conducted information sessions on workers’ social protection and regulatory compliance. The SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG Fund briefed workers on benefits and coverage, while the BFP and Office of the Building Official discussed fire safety standards and construction regulations. Workers were likewise given the opportunity to raise concerns regarding their benefits and entitlements.
DOLE-8 said the continuing inspections reflect its commitment to uphold workers’ rights, promote safe working conditions, and strengthen cooperation among government agencies and employers in ensuring compliance with labor and safety standards.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
