In terms of promoting gainful employment, developing human resources, and protecting workers’ rights, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) coordinates with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which formulates policies and implements programs on labor and employment.
Among the core functions of DOLE are employment facilitation, workers’ protection and welfare, labor relations, and social protection.
Vision and Mandate
“Every Filipino worker attains full, decent, and productive employment,” is the vision of DOLE, according to its official website.
As for its mandate, the Department is dedicated to:
- Promoting gainful employment opportunities and human resource development;
- Protecting and promoting workers’ rights and welfare; and
- Promoting and maintaining industrial peace.
Organizational Structure
DOLE is headed by the Secretary of Labor and Employment, with several Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries. At present, it has four bureaus, focusing on: Working Conditions, Local Employment, Labor Relations, and Workers with Special Concerns. With a Central Office based in Manila, the Department operates 16 Regional Offices across the country.
Key Programs
The key programs and services of DOLE include the following:
Public Employment Services (PES)
In all Local Government Units (LGUs), there is a Public Employment Services Office (PESO) that serves as an employment service facility.
Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES)
Usually held during summer vacation, SPES is a youth employment-bridging program that provides temporary employment to out-of-school youth, poor but deserving students, and dependents of displaced workers.
JobStart Philippines Program
This program enhances the employability of young people by shortening their job-search period and by providing training, paid internship, and employment facilitation services.
Labor Inspection Program
Through this program, DOLE ensures that employers and companies comply with the country’s laws and labor standards in their workplaces.
Workers Organization and Development Program (WODP)
The objectives of this program are as follows:
- To strengthen trade unions and workers’ organizations by promoting their capabilities as independent and active partners in national development;
- To empower workers by providing accessible information facilities, along with training, educational, technical, and livelihood assistance; and
- To promote individual and collective initiative as a means of enhancing incomes, income opportunities, and employment generation.
Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES)
These services seek to increase awareness regarding workers’ and employers’ rights and responsibilities, work ethics, and skills. In this manner, positive labor-management relations can be achieved.
Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)
This is a community-based program that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, seasonal workers, and the underemployed. Workers are assigned to work for a minimum of 10 days, up to a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work involved.
Contact Information: DOLE Central Office
For questions and concerns about labor and employment, you can get in touch with the DOLE Central Office through the following contact details. The office is open every Monday to Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Address: Muralla Wing cor. General Luna St., Intramuros, Manila, 1002
Telephone: 02 8527 3559
Website: https://dole.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laborandemploymentph/
Google Map:
The DOLE was established to make sure that the rights and welfare of Filipino workers are protected. Aside from this agency, the DFA also works closely with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), specifically when it comes to assisting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).