TACLOBAN CITY — Transport operators in Southern Leyte underwent a series of joint government inspections as authorities intensified efforts to enforce labor standards and ensure public safety across land and maritime sectors.
The initiative, dubbed High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspections (HIHVI), was led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Southern Leyte Field Office on March 23, 2026, in coordination with multiple government agencies.
The inspection drive covered key transport establishments and aimed to check compliance with existing labor laws, including Labor Code of the Philippines and Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law, which mandate fair labor practices and safe working conditions.
DOLE Southern Leyte Field Office head Eden Ligaya Golong led the activity, joined by representatives from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation Office, Maritime Industry Authority, PhilHealth, Philippine Ports Authority, Social Security System, and the local government of Maasin City, among others.
A total of eight transport establishments were inspected, with authorities assessing compliance on proper wage payment, workers’ benefits, and occupational safety and health measures.
Inspectors also checked workplace conditions, availability of safety equipment, and the implementation of preventive measures to protect both employees and commuters.
Alongside enforcement, participating agencies conducted on-site information drives to guide operators and workers on regulatory requirements, social protection programs, and industry standards—promoting voluntary compliance within the sector.
The HIHVI forms part of the government’s broader push to strengthen labor rights and safety standards, particularly in high-risk sectors such as transportation, where compliance directly impacts both workers and the riding public.
Officials said the coordinated effort reflects a whole-of-government approach to building a safer and more accountable transport system in Southern Leyte.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
