PAGKILALA 2025 honors partners backing DOLE programs

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 held its first “Pagkilala 2025” Recognition and Awarding Ceremony on Dec. 10, 2025, at the Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, honoring stakeholders and partner agencies whose support significantly advanced labor and employment programs in Western Visayas.

“Pagkilala,” a local term meaning to recognize and honor, brought together representatives from local and national government agencies, private companies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and labor groups whose commitment and collaborative spirit expanded the reach and impact of DOLE programs.

Awardees received plaques of recognition for contributions to key initiatives, including the Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program, DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, Government Internship Program, Gender and Development, Special Program for the Employment of Students, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program, JobStart Philippines Program, Tripartism and Social Dialogue Program, Freedom of Association Program, Family Welfare Program, Technical Advisory Visit, Occupational Safety and Health, Labor Inspection Program, Enforcement and Execution of Labor Inspection Compliance Orders, and general support services through the Internal Management and Support Division.

Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. expressed gratitude to partners, emphasizing that DOLE’s mandate is rooted in shared responsibility to uplift Filipino workers and that the fight against poverty and pursuit of social justice are achievable only through strong partnerships.

Officer in charge and head of the Technical Support and Services Division–Employment Promotion and Workers Welfare Atty. Jeorge S. Ferraris II underscored unity and cooperation in advancing DOLE’s employment and welfare initiatives, noting that Pagkilala 2025 strengthens relationships and keeps collaboration at the center of regional progress.

Technical Support and Services Division–Labor Relations and Labor Standards head Joselito G. De La Banda highlighted the importance of collaboration among partners, employers, employee groups, and government agencies, saying, “Happy is the person who serves the Lord God through His people, especially the lost, the least, and the last, for this is the secret of happy living.”

Representing the DOLE Regional Coordinating Council, Atty. Mark Vernon Dioquino, board secretary of the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board VI, reaffirmed support for a more inclusive, productive, and prosperous future for Western Visayas.

Partner government agencies also pledged continued commitment to shared goals, with DSWD Field Office VI Planning Officer IV Roxie Abagatnan saying, “We commit to sustaining the collective impact that this recognition celebrates. Together, we continue building a workforce and mission that are empowered, protected, and never left behind.”

National Housing Authority Region VI Regional Manager Engr. Rizalino G. Cabahug said collaboration on the Government Internship Program and the NHA Livelihood Assistance to Employees Program has made a significant impact on beneficiaries, adding, “We are not only to celebrate our shared accomplishment but also to acknowledge the vital role that agencies played in making those accomplishments possible.”

Labor sector Vice Chairperson of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council and CPURAFLU-FFW President Ma. Victoria G. Bellosillo called for sustained cooperation in maintaining industrial peace, saying, “Padayon kita sa pagbuligay sa paghulma sang mga polisiya kag inisyatibo nga nagarespeto sa mga kinamatarung sang mga mamumugon samtang nagasuporta man sang masanag kag malinong nga pag-uswag sang aton mga negosyo.”

The ceremony concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to advancing workers’ welfare and promoting inclusive growth in Western Visayas through continued collaboration and support for DOLE Region VI initiatives.