CEBU, Philippines - More than 2,000 companies in Central Visayas were certified by the Department of Labor and Employment-7 from January to September this year to have complied with labor laws.
Josel Gonzales, DOLE-7 assistant regional director, said that companies that are not following labor laws in the region have lessened as settlement cases of the agency have increased a few months ago.
DOLE added that more labor law compliance officers are prepared to work on more certifications within the year.
The agency is eyeing 5,000 businesses and industries to be assessed in the entire region before the year ends. The number excludes small-time enterprises.
DOLE admits though that it cannot visit and check all establishments in the entire region in a year due to the lack of time and resources, aside from the growing number of business establishments.
Recently, DOLE conducted a wide joint-assessment at the Cebu Sports Club attended by close to 400 business owners coming from the provinces of Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Bohol, and Cebu.
“Nagpasalamat mi sa daghang mitambong nga patigayon ug misubay sa balaud,” said Gonzales in an interview with TV5 Aksyon Bisaya.
The program is a way to reach business owners and to assess their needs and concerns.
Gonzales also encourages employees who have concerns against their employers to immediately go to their office to resolve matters.
He said they would not hesitate to impose sanctions on business establishments that violate labor laws. (FREEMAN)