Manpower lack to do routine D.O.L.E work lamented

Cebu City – A Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) Region 7 official admitted the agency can only conduct at least one routine inspection of firms a year in the region to see if such firms are complying with labor regulations. This is far from ideal, according to DoLE 7 Regional Director Elias Cayanong, but until such time that the agency can effectively address the lack of resources and personnel, there is nothing much they can do about the situation.

Cayanong said ideally, routine inspection should be done quarterly to regularly check developments. However, he said, “Our lack of resources are hindering us to do the said task as we only have limited inspectors to cover over 40,000 establishments in Central Visayas.”

He said that to cope up, the DoLE 7 is prioritizing critical areas, including the construction business whch has now become a priority due to its vibrant performance in the market of late.

Moreover, the DoLE 7 official added that the agency is expecting to implement stricter safety guidelines for workers especially those working in construction firms after the recent collapse of two buildings here.

Cayanong admitted that if the incident, which involved a Gaisano building project in Brgy. Tisa, did not happen, DoLE 7 office would not have known that construction workers were not only using safety equipments but were also not getting paid the right wages. –Poebe Jen Indino, Manila Bulletin