Mactan Ecozone now labor laws compliant — DOLE

The Mactan Economic Zone 1 (MEZ 1) was finally declared labor laws compliant industrial zone after it failed to meet the requisites, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.

MEZ 1 was the fourth ecozone in Region 7 to pass the rigorous assessment on general labor and occupational safety and health standards under the new labor laws compliance system.

The 150-hectare economic estate supports more than 60,000 workers and now sports a Labor Laws Compliant Zone marker that is by far the biggest and the tallest among the signages unveiled by the DOLE, Baldoz noted.

There are 161 companies, 128 of them are multi-national light to medium industries engaged in information technology; business process management; manufacture of food products and beverages; chemical products; textiles; wearing apparel; watches and jewelries; metals and fabricated metals; rubber and plastic products; and paper products and services.

MEZ 1, an industrial estate in Lapu-Lapu City that was supposed to be the first economic zone in Cebu province to be recognized as labor laws compliant ecozone last year after it failed to meet some requirements, Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

“What happened to MEZ 1 is the essence of the new labor laws compliance system, a major reform program under the Aquino administration,” Baldoz said.

The DOLE had two years of engagement with MEZ 1 before it could declare the zone compliant, Baldoz said.

During the unveiling of the economic zone marker, Baldoz recognized Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza for creating a conducive investment climate in the city that provides access to decent jobs as the key towards poverty reduction.

Radaza highlighted the need to protect the interest of the workers especially in the midst of the city’s booming economy. She also urged all stakeholders—investors, management, and labor—to work together to ensure that everyone’s interest is protected.

In 2014, the DOLE unveiled similar markers at Mactan Economic Zone II, Cebu Light Industrial Park, San Miguel Corporation, and Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc.

A labor laws compliant signage was aslo installed in Visayan Electric Company (VECO), Inc. after a month.

In July this year, DOLE unveiled the markers at Radisson Blu Cebu; Marco Polo Plaza Cebu; and Tsuneishi Heavy Industries Cebu, Inc. –Betheena Kae Unite

Read more at http://www.mb.com.ph/mactan-ecozone-now-labor-laws-compliant-dole/#kJiUbsBUuPX8IMsJ.99