05/09/2026
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 | 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐄𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝟑𝟑𝟕 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐙𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐨𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐲
IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY — The Department of Labor and Employment IX, through its Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (DOLE-ZSFO), provided technical assistance to 337 micro establishments during a series of Technical and Advisory Visits (TAV) conducted from August 25 to 28, 2026, in five municipalities of the province’s First District.
The sessions were held in Diplahan and Buug on August 25, Alicia on August 27, and Mabuhay and Olutanga on August 28.
In line with the directive of Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, the TAV aims to guide employers in properly implementing labor standards and deepen their understanding of workplace safety and workers’ welfare. It provides micro establishments with practical assistance in identifying and addressing compliance gaps while considering their actual operating conditions.
During the sessions, the DOLE-ZSFO team discussed General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health Standards. Employers were reminded of their responsibility to provide workers with the wages and benefits required by law and to maintain workplaces that protect them from preventable injuries, illnesses, and other occupational risks.
Participants were also guided in accomplishing the TAV Checklist and preparing their respective Action Plans. These tools allowed each establishment to review its current practices, identify areas that require correction, and set practical measures and timelines for compliance.
The TAV forms part of DOLE’s developmental approach to labor law compliance among micro establishments. It combines workplace assessment with technical guidance, helping employers understand and fulfill their legal responsibilities while ensuring workers receive the protection due to them.
The sessions also covered employers' responsibilities for social security and health insurance contributions. The activity also provided information on available social protection and health programs to help establishments understand how proper registration and remittance protect workers and their families during sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and other covered contingencies.
Through the activity, participating employers raised workplace concerns, clarified labor requirements, and identified specific actions needed to improve compliance. This preventive approach helps resolve deficiencies at the establishment level before they lead to labor disputes or put workers’ safety and benefits at risk.
DOLE-ZSFO will continue to provide technical guidance and monitor the implementation of the participating establishments’ Action Plans. Establishments with identified gaps will be expected to undertake the necessary corrective measures within the applicable period, with appropriate assistance from the Department.