DOLE Western Visayas expands labor rights trainer program

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 has expanded its Freedom of Association Training of Trainers program to strengthen labor rights advocacy and workplace relations across Western Visayas.

The two-day capacity-building program, held Aug. 3–4 at Richmonde Hotel Iloilo in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, was designed to sharpen the knowledge, skills, and competencies of DOLE Region 6 personnel in promoting freedom of association.

The initiative also supports the implementation of the country’s Tripartite Roadmap on Freedom of Association, which was developed following recommendations from the International Labour Organization’s 2023 High-Level Tripartite Mission to the Philippines.

The roadmap is part of the Philippines’ efforts to strengthen compliance with ILO Convention No. 87 on Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize and Convention No. 98 on the Right to Organize and Collective Bargaining.

The Philippines ratified both conventions on Dec. 29, 1953, and both remain in force.

Personnel from the regional office and field offices participated in learning sessions to deepen their understanding of freedom-of-association principles, labor laws and issuances, and their practical application in workplaces and labor and employment services.

In his opening message, Jorge S. Ferraris II, officer in charge of the Technical Support and Services Division, underscored the importance of solidarity among workers.

Ferraris cited the well-known statement, “Workers of the world, unite; you have nothing to lose but your chains,” explaining its historical significance in shaping labor movements and influencing the development of labor rights and protections.

He emphasized that freedom of association enables workers to collectively advance their legitimate interests while contributing to industrial peace and social justice.

Divine Grace B. Gabunas, meanwhile, said freedom-of-association advocacy extends beyond workers to employers, local government units, and other stakeholders.

She emphasized that promoting freedom of association requires a collaborative and inclusive approach to strengthen labor protections and foster harmonious labor-management relations throughout the region.

The first day of training focused on building participants’ technical competencies through legal case analysis, evidence and affidavit preparation, workshops, and discussions on referral pathways for affected workers.

On the second day, participants demonstrated what they had learned through online and in-person presentations, followed by critiques and coaching aimed at improving their facilitation and advocacy skills.

Participants were also introduced to training toolkits that will guide future capacity-building activities on freedom of association and related subjects, including labor rights, human rights, social justice, and sustainable development.

The expanded rollout consists of five training modules covering 17 learning sessions delivered through online, hybrid, and face-to-face formats.

The ILO said the consolidated training resource, developed with tripartite input, covers human rights, international labor standards, freedom of association, Philippine labor laws and policies, remedies for rights violations, and other workplace issues.

Upon completing the program, participants are expected to serve as freedom-of-association advocates supporting DOLE’s information, education, and advocacy initiatives across Western Visayas.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by government, workers, and employers to strengthen social dialogue and improve the protection of freedom of association and collective bargaining rights in the Philippines.

Through the program, DOLE Region 6 aims to strengthen worker and employer education, promote social dialogue, and reinforce respect for fundamental principles and rights at work across Western Visayas.