Owners and representatives of micro-enterprises across Davao del Sur received a refresher course on labor laws, occupational safety, productivity, and responsible business practices as they participated in a series of Technical and Advisory Visit (TAV) orientations recently organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The initiative is part of DOLE’s developmental and proactive approach to ensuring labor rights protection for all.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to upholding workers’ rights and promoting their welfare, the DOLE Regional Office XI, through its Davao del Sur and Davao City Field Offices, conducted the orientations to reinforce the department’s advocacy for ethical labor practices and safe workplaces.
Participants were oriented on general labor standards and occupational safety and health (OSH) regulations. Key topics included mandatory employee benefits such as the minimum wage, overtime and night shift differentials, 13th-month pay, parental leaves, and provisions under the Magna Carta of Women. Discussions also tackled common workplace hazards, safety protocols, and legal requirements under the OSH Law.
DOLE Davao Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy emphasized that the orientations are aimed at fostering greater compliance and inspiring micro-enterprises to become champions of labor rights and workplace safety in the province.
A total of 150 owners and representatives joined the orientations conducted by the Davao del Sur Field Office. In a separate session held in Davao City, 48 owners and representatives from micro-establishments, primarily in the food service, laundry, diagnostics, and pet care sectors, attended similar orientations. Participants raised various concerns, including non-compliance with minimum wage laws, the absence of designated safety officers, and the lack of basic safety provisions such as first aid kits.
With guidance from the resource speakers, participants developed their respective action plans to address these issues. Some expressed intent to apply for a Barangay Micro Business Enterprise certificate through the Department of Trade and Industry. Others committed to adjusting their wage structures in compliance with the new minimum wage order, while a few considered formalizing employment contracts that include non-monetary benefits such as free meals and lodging.
