DOLE-6 releases PHP 21.1 million via SEnA

The Department of Labor and Employment in Western Visayas (DOLE-6) said it has continued promoting industrial peace through conciliation and the amicable settlement of labor disputes.

From January to December 2025, DOLE-6 said the Regional Office, through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA), facilitated settlements that led to the release of PHP 21,101,038 in monetary benefits to 809 workers.

The office said the monetary claims stemmed from the settlement of 693 cases out of 842 Requests for Assistance (RFAs), equivalent to an 82.30 percent settlement rate across the region.

SEnA is a mandatory conciliation-mediation mechanism that provides a 30-day period for parties to resolve labor issues through a speedy, impartial, and accessible process before disputes escalate into formal cases.

DOLE-6 said 832 RFAs were disposed of within the 30-day process cycle time for a 98.81 percent disposition rate, citing the directive of the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to provide immediate and effective responses to workers’ needs.

The office said the remaining RFAs were withdrawn due to a lack of interest by the requesting party or were referred to the National Labor Relations Commission and other agencies for further action.

DOLE-6 said the most common requests involved claims for last pay, 13th-month pay, separation pay, and nonpayment of holiday pay and overtime pay.

The office also cited underpayment of minimum wage and illegal deductions among the recurring concerns.

DOLE-6 said accommodation and food service activities recorded the most requests, followed by administrative and support service activities, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and construction.

DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. directed field offices to monitor prevailing issues across industries and develop proactive measures, including strengthening tripartite industry councils, expanding social dialogue, ramping up labor education, sustaining inspection programs, and advocating voluntary compliance with labor standards.