DOLE Western Visayas pushes safer, healthier workplaces

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work by convening stakeholders from the business process outsourcing, health, manufacturing, and power industries across Western Visayas.

The event, held April 28, 2026, in Iloilo City, was organized in partnership with the Occupational Safety and Health Center Regional Extension Unit 6.

Anchored on the theme “Let’s Ensure a Healthy Psychological Working Environment,” the activity highlighted the need to address burnout, promote work-life balance, and strengthen a culture of safety in workplaces.

The International Labour Organization observes the World Day for Safety and Health at Work every April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.

For 2026, the ILO focused the observance on ensuring a healthy psychosocial working environment, underscoring how workplace conditions can affect workers’ mental, emotional, and physical health.

Representatives from government agencies, private sector partners, and occupational safety and health advocates joined the discussion on practical strategies for building healthier work environments.

The Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Western Visayas Occupational Safety and Health Network, Rethink Safety Inc., PhilHealth, and the Iloilo City Government’s RAISE Mental Health Unit participated in the program.

Jorge Ferraris II, officer in charge chief of the Technical Support and Services Division, delivered the message of DOLE Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr.

Ferraris said safeguarding workers’ well-being is a shared responsibility among employers, employees, and institutions.

Occupational Safety and Health Center Executive Director Jose Maria Batino said workplace safety must go beyond compliance and evolve into a culture that prioritizes both physical and mental health.

Police Maj. Dorothy Joy Bolivar, a registered psychologist and retired officer who heads Iloilo City’s RAISE Mental Health Unit, led the session on recognizing and addressing burnout.

Bolivar discussed early detection and intervention strategies for workers experiencing burnout.

Faye Dominique Palmares, a physician specializing in occupational health, discussed work-life balance and self-care.

Palmares emphasized the role of preventive care and healthy coping mechanisms in sustaining employee well-being.

Renato Tiempo, a professional mechanical engineer, DOLE-accredited practitioner, and safety consultant, facilitated the session on workplace culture and safety.

Tiempo highlighted the importance of strengthening organizational practices to create safe and supportive work environments.

Juvy Villegas of Rethink Safety Inc. introduced workplace well-being programs designed to support employees’ mental health.

Mary Ellen Grace Ariola-Bolido of PhilHealth Region 6 presented the agency’s mental health package, which seeks to expand workers’ access to essential services.

DOLE Regional Office 6 said the initiative reaffirmed its commitment to advancing occupational safety and health standards in Western Visayas.

The activity also served as a continuing call for workplaces to adopt proactive measures that protect workers’ physical safety, mental health, and emotional well-being.

The celebration included a photo contest focused on safe, healthy, and secure working environments.

The contest covered themes such as proper use of personal protective equipment, organized and hazard-free workplaces, ergonomic and comfortable workstations, workplace hygiene and sanitation, and team coordination and support.

The program concluded with a renewed commitment among stakeholders to sustain collaborative efforts in building safer, healthier, and more resilient workplaces across Western Visayas.