THE Department of Labor and Employment has vowed to enforce labor standards and protect the workers’ fundamental rights, and assured workers it will abolish the “endo” scheme and other forms of illegal contractualization by yearend.
Speaking at the 83rd Foundation Anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment in Quezon City, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III also guaranteed strengthened protection and security of overseas Filipino workers overseas.
“While it is our desire to eventually bring them [OFWs] all back home and be with their families by providing job opportunities locally, we will remain steadfast in ensuring that their dignity as Filipinos are protected while on foreign soil,” the Secretary said.
Bello also acknowledged the DoLE’s tripartite partners for their contribution to sound industrial climate, and called for the protection of investors and employers who continue to contribute to the creation of jobs across industries.
“We thank our employers and investors for their important contributions to the Philippine economy, and for continuing to provide employment to millions of Filipinos. They are the indispensable partners of DoLE, Bello said.
He said one of the goals of the government was to create an environment that would attract more investors, as well as inspire those already here to expand their businesses and provide more jobs.
“This is necessary for us to attain the 7.5 million jobs the Duterte administration has promised to create during the term of President Digong,” Bello said.
Bello said consistent with the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte to bring back the trust and confidence of the Filipino people for the government, the government is firm with its goal to make the Department an honest, efficient, responsive and caring institution.
He enjoined the DoLE employees to be “exemplars of good public servants.”
“As we march onwards, I call on all officials and co-workers in the Department to serve the Filipino people, for labor and employment reforms, for the protection of the rights and dignity of the Filipino workers, and for the continued confidence of our investors in the Philippines,” Bello said.