SanMig, SM Dept. Store execs visit DOLE-6 to discuss workers’ welfare

San Miguel Corp (SMC) and SM Department Store top executives paid recently visited the office of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. to discuss some important labor related issues, practices, and innovations beneficial to the workers.

SMC Labor Relations Manager Atty. Noel Balsicas underscored the importance of aligning their programs to DOLE policy direction in consideration of a possible future business expansion in the region that will open the labor market for the jobseekers.

Balsicas shared the company’s labor law compliance particularly with Department Order 174 which provides a new set of guidelines that govern contracting and subcontracting, and their compliance program on occupational safety and health standards.

“Just follow the law and you will not get into trouble, ” said Atty. Balsicas on labor law compliance.

Atty. Balsicas also pointed out the effectiveness of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) in guiding the companies in hiring skilled workers and the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) in settling labor disputes amicably.

The importance of labor education and the formation of values-oriented workers were some of the highlights in the discussion.

Rodriguez presented DOLEs programs that collaborate with the academe such as the guidance and career coaching.  Under his direction, DOLE RO 6 has conducted labor education forums for 1,431 graduating students in two universities in the provinces of Antique and Iloilo just last month.

In a separate occasion, SM Senior Assistant Vice President and Human Resource Officer Julieta G. Manipis and Iloilo Senior Manager Janiene S. Albay discussed the welfare of the company’s labor force through DOLEs programs and services such as the Family Welfare and the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) programs.

A possible learning sessions on matters beneficial to both the management and the workers was also considered in the future.

Through its Iloilo Field Office, DOLE RO 6 scheduled the conduct of the Family Welfare Program orientation for the company April 2023.

Ms. Manipis also shared the just concluded hiring of SM employees which was coordinated with the Iloilo City -Public Employment Service Office.

RD Rodriguez said he appreciates the efforts of SMC and SM Department Store, two of the country’s top companies, in reaching out to the Regional Office and sharing their practices and ideas for improvement of labor relations.

“The initiative of the companies to get in touch with the Regional Office is an indication of their concern for the welfare and rights of their workers,” RD Rodriguez said.

He reiterated that the door of DOLE RO 6 is always open to companies, employers and workers with labor issues and concerns.