12/08/2026
๐๐ข๐๐ ๐ญ๐๐ก๐๐ข ๐ฆ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ป๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฆ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐น ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ถ๐ป ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐น๐๐ด ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฆ๐ถ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ถ
DIPOLOG CITY, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE โ In support of the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and the Trabaho Agad agenda of Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino, the DOLE Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) continues to strengthen its support for small businesses through technical assistance, labor standards orientation, and convergence with local government units and other government agencies.
DOLE ZDNFO conducted Technical Advisory Visit (TAV) alongside Safety Officer I (SO1) and First Aid (FA) training sessions in the municipalities of Salug and Sirawai, reaching a total of 127 participants from 104 establishments.
The participating establishments were provided with guidance and information to help them better understand DOLE programs and services, comply with labor standards, and access available government assistance.
DOLE is not here simply to police establishments. We are here to assist them in complying with labor standards and occupational safety and health requirements. Through our Technical Advisory Visits and other assistance programs, we provide the guidance establishments need to understand their obligations, address compliance gaps, and build safer and more productive workplaces,โ said ZDNFO Chief Elamsalih E. Ungad, in his message to participants.
The training in Salug was attended by 65 participants representing 53 establishments, while 62 participants from 51 establishments took part in the session in Sirawai.
For many small business owners, access to government livelihood and employment programs has become increasingly important amid the economic challenges faced by businesses and workers.
"DOLE's livelihood programs have been a big help to us, especially to small business owners who are facing difficulties during these challenging times. We will continue to strive to access these programs not only for ourselves but also to provide better opportunities and support for our workers," said Hazel Requizo, owner of Butbutan Consumer Goods Store.
Aina Codoy, owner of Codoy Bakery and Copra Buyer, likewise identified compliance with the minimum wage as one of the continuing challenges faced by small enterprises, particularly in balancing the needs of their workers with the realities of operating a small business.
"One of our biggest challenges is being able to meet the minimum wage requirements for our workers. We are grateful to DOLE for its guidance and for helping us understand the importance of complying with labor standards while finding ways to sustain our businesses," the participant added.
As part of this continuing effort, DOLE ZDNFO will conduct another TAV/FA/SO1 session on August 17, 2026, in the Municipality of Katipunan. Interested establishments may contact the office thru its hotline at 0917-570-6306 or landline at (065) 908-3481.
