DOLE - Iloilo Field Office

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃: 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐄𝐏 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino has ordered the full centralization of the processing, evaluation, and issuance of Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) at the DOLE Central Office, effective 09 June 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen oversight and ensure the uniform implementation of labor regulations concerning foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines.

Under Administrative Order No. 199, Series of 2026, all DOLE Regional Offices shall immediately cease accepting, processing, evaluating, and issuing both new and renewal AEP applications, with all transactions to be handled exclusively by the Central Office.

𝘊𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺.

This June, the Philippines marks Judiciary Month, celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Supreme Court.

Declared under Presidential Proclamation No. 1265, s. 2026, the observance calls on government agencies, local government units, the private sector, and civil society to support and partake in the commemoration.

Established on June 11, 1901 through Act No. 136 of the Philippine Commission, the Supreme Court has stood as a pillar of justice—first led by Chief Justice Cayetano Arellano.

In line with this milestone year, the Court unveils a series of activities under the theme: “SC: 125 Years of Tradition and Innovation.”

Stay tuned for updates through the official social media channels of the Supreme Court.

READ: Labor Advisory No. 11, s. 2026 Payment of Wages for the Regular Holiday on June 12, 2026 (Independence Day Celebration).

DOLE, DPWH, and Iloilo City Convene for TUPAD Oplan Kontra Baha

DOLE RO6 together with DPWH, PNP and Iloilo City Government, successfully conducted a coordination meeting for the implementation of the TUPAD Oplan Kontra Baha initiative on 15 May 2026 at the Barangay Hall of Barangay Ingore, Lapaz.

The meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration among partner agencies and local stakeholders in preparation for the implementation of emergency employment activities focused on canal clearing, declogging operations, and other flood mitigation efforts in vulnerable communities across Iloilo City. The initiative forms part of the government’s proactive response in addressing flooding concerns while simultaneously providing temporary employment opportunities to displaced, disadvantaged, and vulnerable workers through the TUPAD program.

Among the key officials who participated in the activity was Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong, who highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in ensuring the effective implementation of the TUPAD program while providing temporary livelihood opportunities to disadvantaged workers.

Dr. Siaotong actively facilitated discussions with representatives from partner agencies and barangay officials to ensure the smooth implementation of the program. Her leadership and commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation were instrumental in aligning strategies and operational plans for the conduct of the initiative in identified flood-prone areas.

Representatives from the DPWH, Iloilo City Government, barangay officials, and other stakeholders likewise expressed their support for the initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to work collectively toward safer and more resilient communities.

The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the partner agencies to promote disaster preparedness, community resiliency, and employment generation for affected communities in Iloilo City.

DOLE Iloilo Conducts TAV to Strengthen Compliance and Workplace Safety Among MSMEs

DOLE Iloilo Field Office (DOLE IFO) successfully conducted a series of Technical Advisory Visits (TAV) for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on May 04–05 and May 20–21, 2026, to further strengthen employers’ awareness and compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health standards.

The activity featured comprehensive discussions on key topics essential to workplace compliance and employee welfare, including the Overview of the New Inspection Framework, General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, Checklist and Action Plan, Introduction to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Communicating OSH, Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control (HIRAC) in Micro Enterprises, Walk-through of the WISE Action Checklist Checkpoints, Promotion of Healthy Workplace, OSHS Reporting Requirements such as Rule 1020, WAIR, AEDR, and AMR, as well as workshops on the preparation of OSH Programs and OSH Reports. Participants also crafted Action Plans addressing identified gaps from the WISE Action Checklist.

The sessions were facilitated by the dedicated Labor Inspectors of DOLE Iloilo Field Office under the Labor Relations and Labor Standards (LRLS) Unit headed by Supervising Labor and Employment Officer Mr. Richie G. Buyco. Through their expertise and guidance, participants were provided with practical knowledge and technical assistance on establishing safer, healthier, and more compliant workplaces. The resource speakers ensured that discussions were simplified and contextualized to help MSMEs better understand labor regulations and apply them effectively within their respective establishments.

Under the leadership of DOLE Iloilo Field Office Head Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong, the activity highlighted the agency’s continued commitment to promoting workers’ welfare while assisting businesses in achieving sustainable and lawful operations. Dr. Siaotong emphasized the importance of empowering MSMEs through education and technical support, recognizing their vital contribution to local economic growth and employment generation.

The Technical Advisory Visit greatly benefited participating MSMEs by equipping them with essential tools and strategies to improve workplace safety, strengthen compliance with labor and OSH standards, reduce workplace hazards, and foster healthier working environments. The activity likewise encouraged proactive compliance and strengthened the partnership between DOLE and the business sector in promoting decent, safe, and productive workplaces for all workers.