PNoy acknowledges efforts of DOLE-7

CEBU, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III is optimistic that the recently concluded Regional Productivity and Tripartism Summit initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment-7 will be an opportunity to craft social and fiscal policies that will accelerate the momentum towards national revitalization and regional economic cooperation.

DOLE-7 held the 1st Regional Productivity and Tripartism Summit early July with the theme, Improving Productivity through Tripartism and Social Dialogue in the Context of ASEAN Integration.

Aquino, in a letter sent to DOLE-7, stated that the summit reaffirms the agency’s determination to uphold synergy in society, as it strives to enhance productivity through tripartism and social dialogue within the context of ASEAN integration.

The President also hopes that through the summit, efforts of all public offices will be intensified, as well as those in the employment sector, and the business community in developing initiatives that will encourage more workers to perform in their respective fields.

In his letter, Aquino added that engaging the citizens in public discourse shows everyone’s commitment to democracy and lasting justice.

“Let us share our thoughts with our countrymen, thoughts that will help make the Philippines a better nation and, in turn, let us hear their sonorous voice, too, that we may understand deeper and resolve quicker the issues that hinder the growth of our economy and society,” the President said.

DOLE-7 regional director Exequiel Sarcauga said that Aquino’s message fuels further their desire to sustain the momentum and active involvement of the tripartite councils in the region in terms of promoting productivity, through social dialogue where representatives from the labor, management, and government sectors exchange notes and help shape labor, social and economic policies and programs.

One of the things to focus in Central Visayas, he explained, is to make sure that growth is sustained by solidifying and strengthening productivity among industries.

As a member of the ASEAN, Sarcauga said, the Philippines should be able to position itself before the magnitude of the challenge that these developments pose.

In the face of this bold step, Sarcauga said,  Region-7 should be able to gain grounds, reinvigorate, and reengineer the way things are thought of, carried out, and delivered among its industries regardless of what type and category they fall under.

“Staying on the lead pack would require for the use of clearly defined tools which would lead to effective, efficient, generative, and tangible impact in the region,” Sarcauga added.  —ATO/ (FREEMAN)