DOLE-6 inspects Western Visayas construction sites for safety

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Labor and Employment Region 6 launched a two-day interagency inspection of construction sites across Western Visayas on June 10–11 under its High Impact, High Visibility Inspection program.

The inspections cover ongoing construction projects and involve labor inspectors and representatives from the Social Security System, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, the Department of Public Works and Highways, local government units, and other partner agencies.

Atty. Jorge S. Ferraris II, officer in charge of the Technical Support and Services Division, said inspectors will assess compliance with general labor standards, including wages and benefits, as well as occupational safety and health standards meant to protect workers from workplace hazards.

“Our main goal is to ensure the safety of workers in construction sites,” Ferraris said during a press conference in Iloilo City on June 10.

The inspection drive followed a directive from acting Labor Secretary Francis “Tol” Tolentino to prioritize construction-site inspections nationwide after the May 24 collapse of a nine-story building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, reportedly killed at least 30 people.

The structure had reportedly been cited for occupational safety and health violations before the collapse.

For the initial rollout, DOLE-6 targeted five ongoing construction sites in each Western Visayas province, excluding Negros Island.

Employers found with deficiencies will be allowed to explain and correct violations within a prescribed period.

Ferraris said those who fail to comply may be summoned to a formal hearing.

“If there is an imminent danger upon inspection, our regional director may issue a work stoppage order on those construction sites,” he added.

DOLE-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. said the inspection differs from regular labor inspections because it involves multiple government agencies that can immediately address violations within their respective mandates.

“Normally, labor inspectors conduct the inspection. This time, we invited other agencies because before only DOLE had the authority to enter establishments, but violations may also involve SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, and other requirements,” Rodriguez said.

He said the participating agencies can also help employers and workers resolve compliance issues on-site.

The High Impact, High Visibility Inspection program is part of the government’s broader effort to strengthen workplace safety and labor compliance in high-risk industries, particularly construction, which remains one of the country’s most hazardous sectors.