DOLE secretary engages with Caraga employees, stakeholders
BUTUAN CITY – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, accompanied by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr, brought a ray of hope in Caraga region leading efforts to improve the living conditions of the Caraganons as he provided directives to the personnel of DOLE - Caraga during his visit on January 22.
He dedicated
time to engage with various stakeholders including the personnel of DOLE -
Caraga, Field Office heads, members of management committee, regional
coordinating committee, and DOLE - Caraga employees association fostering a
comprehensive dialogue with key entities associated with the department.
The labor
secretary’s visit aimed at ensuring the broad outreach and support of DOLE
programs for the marginalized and vulnerable sectors in the region. Emphasizing
DOLE’s role as a catalyst in improving living conditions, Laguesma encouraged
the agency to play a vital role in advancing the nation’s goals, aligning with
the vision of a “Bagong Pilipinas” under the leadership of President Ferdinand
“Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.
“Naniniwala po
ako sa layunin ng ating Pangulo Bongbong Marcos Jr. Tayo po ay magiging bahagi
at very active and aggressive contributor po tayo. At ang makikita natin na
pangarap na magkaroon ng isang matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay sa bawat
mamayang Pilipino ay magkakaroon po ng katuparan,” Laguesma said during the
dialogue with DOLE officials and heads of attached agencies.
During the
interactions, the secretary addressed controversies involving the Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program being
implicated in political actions. He emphasized the importance of DOLE personnel
abstaining from involvement in these matters and urged them to adhere strictly
to the program’s guidelines and the Commission on Audit’s laws and regulations.
Laguesma commended the regional director for exhibiting effective
leadership in maintaining a balanced approach amidst competing interest.
“I’d like to
commend your region headed by the Dir. Suyao for being able to manage and
wade through very difficult and challenging circumstances over the previous
years. Hindi lang po yung nakaraang taon but even earlier than that,” Laguesma
said.
DOLE - Caraga
Regional Director Joffrey M. Suyao expressed sincere gratitude to the labor
secretary for his leadership in setting the tone for public service marked by
innovation, dedication, and resilience, ensuring the delivery of
transformational and quality services to the people of Caraga.
“Your
leadership not only set the tone for us in how we deliver service to the
Caraganons and the entire country, but you also gave us much inspiration to
deliver our best and achieve what we call an outstanding collective
accomplishment from the men and women of DOLE - Caraga,” Suyao said.
In a
forward-looking approach for 2024, Laguesma unveiled a comprehensive strategy
for the DOLE Employment Plan spanning the years 2023-2028 in Caraga. He
underscored a focused effort towards bolstering support for the constituencies
from fourth to sixth class municipalities across all regions. This
directive aims to enhance and address employment opportunities and foster
economic growth in these specific areas.
The secretary
also commended the Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC) implementing a two-tiered wage
system in the respective collective bargaining agreements of Taganito Mining
Corporation, Cagdianao Mining Corporation, and Hinatuan Mining Corporation.
During the visit, Laguesma and Bitonio seized the opportunity to oversee the turnover of livelihood projects that were specifically designated for identified vulnerable workers from the province of Agusan del Norte and Butuan City. This initiative aligned with DOLE's commitment to empower and uplift individuals in need through practical and sustainable livelihood opportunities. (Karen Kie Decamotan, DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
