TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has appointed Atty. Joan Noya-Nidua as officer-in-charge (OIC) Regional Director of its Eastern Visayas office, succeeding Dax Villaruel, who has been reassigned to head the agency’s regional office in Davao Region.
Noya-Nidua officially assumed the post following the implementation of Administrative Order No. 206, Series of 2026, signed by Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino on June 17 as part of the department’s leadership reorganization.
A formal turnover ceremony was held on June 25 at The Pavilion in San Jose, Tacloban City, attended by officials and employees from DOLE’s regional, provincial, and field offices across Eastern Visayas.
In her acceptance message, Noya-Nidua expressed gratitude for the trust and confidence bestowed upon her and pledged to uphold the department’s mandate with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.
She also urged DOLE-8 officials and employees to remain united in delivering responsive and efficient public service to workers, employers, and other stakeholders throughout the region.
“As we move forward together, I ask for everyone’s support and cooperation as we continue to strengthen our programs and services for our clients and stakeholders in the region,” Noya-Nidua said.
Before assuming her new role, Noya-Nidua served as assistant regional director of DOLE-8 since July 2025, where she played a key role in implementing the department’s labor and employment programs in Eastern Visayas.
Villaruel, meanwhile, was reassigned as regional director of DOLE Regional Office XI, covering the Davao Region.
During the turnover ceremony, DOLE-8 officials and employees expressed their appreciation to Villaruel for his leadership and contributions during his stint in Eastern Visayas and wished him success in his new assignment.
The leadership transition is expected to ensure the continuity of DOLE’s programs and services, including employment facilitation, workers’ protection, livelihood assistance, and labor-management initiatives for communities across Eastern Visayas.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
