DOLE taps 26 inspectors

TWENTY-SIX labor inspectors of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) are now authorized to conduct labor inspection in agricultural establishments after undergoing a specialized training on the working conditions in the agricultural sector last week.

The training primarily aims to capacitate a core group of regional labor inspectors to lead such inspections in their respective regions and roll out similar training in the future. They are also expected to develop a set of proposals for inter-agency cooperation that will be forwarded by DOLE concerned government agencies.

“This opportunity is

a big leap for DOLE inspectors to know more on the problems besetting the agriculture sector, and moreover will empower you to handle squarely on concerns as regards labor issues in this industry,” DOLE XI Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said in his speech during the wrap-up of the training attended by inspectors from different regions nationwide.

The labor inspectors are mandated to “enforce labor laws and social legislation through the conduct of routine inspection, complaint inspection and occupational safety and health investigation” with an aim “to further strengthen the implementation of the visitorial and enforcement powers under the Labor Code, as renumbered, towards securing a higher level of compliance with labor laws and standards, and ensuring continuity and sustainability of compliance at workplaces”.

Last April, DOLE have authorized and deployed 237 new labor laws compliance officers (LLCOs) spread in all regional offices including Davao.