DOLE cites benefits of Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act

File photo shows workers at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. (Photo from the Facebook account of the MEPZ Workers Alliance)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday said that a law which aims to create a master plan for national employment will unite various sectors towards collaborating for the country’s workforce.

According to DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, RA 11962 or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act will recognize “tripartism, consultation, and social dialogue.”

“Ito pong nasabing batas ay mayroon talagang pagkilala doon sa prinsipyo ng tripartism, consultation, at social dialogue. Pagpapatunay po ay bahagi ng council ang kinatawan ng marginalized at vulnerable sector, informal sector, labor organization, at employers’ organization,” Laguesma said.

(This law recognizes the principles of tripartism, consultation, and social dialogue, proven by the fact that the council has representatives from the marginalized and vulnerable sector, the informal sector, the labor organization, and employers’ organization.)

Laguesma made the statement during the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the law on Tuesday.

National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and DTI Undersecretary and Officer-in-Charge Ceferino Rodolfo also joined Laguesma in the signing of the IRR.

RA 11962 was signed into law by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in September 2023.

The law aims to provide employment opportunities for Filipinos, as well as to promote employability and incentives for businesses, particularly micro-, small, and medium enterprises, among others.