The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) vowed to support workers’ fundamental right to freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining while also fulfilling its role in the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.
In a statement, the DOLE said that these rights are fundamental human rights and they also promote sound labor market governance and can contribute to addressing inequality and poverty.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma made the remarks during the meeting with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) to promote a common understanding of the freedom of association and strengthen areas of convergence in implementing NTF-ELCAC initiatives.
Laguesma said the department upholds its partnership with the NTF-ELCAC and recognizes its efforts in fulfilling its mandate to end local communist armed conflicts.
He assured the department’s continued support to the NTF-ELCAC, specifically concerning its programs on labor education, livelihood training, and employment facilitation.
“The DOLE plays an indispensable role in safeguarding and championing labor rights, including the fundamental right to freedom of association, a cornerstone for democratic and inclusive workspaces. From shaping policy and enforcing standards to promoting the welfare of workers, mediating labor disputes, and providing valuable education about rights and obligations, it forms the backbone of our workforce protection,” Laguesma said.
Undersecretary Ernesto Torres, Jr., Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC said the program also aims to rehabilitate and develop barangays that were formerly established as guerilla fronts through
the provision of farm-to-market roads, school buildings, water and sanitation systems, health stations, livelihood projects, rural electrification, reconstruction, housing, vaccination and immunization, and other assistance.
He also said that during the first quarter of 2023, a total of 14,000 former rebels were assisted through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP).
“At least 4,810 former rebels were given livelihood aid under the Kabuhayan Program and 9,190 others were provided emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program,” Torres added.