01/09/2026
๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐ญ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ฉ๐ฅ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐ฎ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ง ๐๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ญ๐
๐ ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐, ๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐ง๐ฌ - In line with Secretary Francis Tolentinoโs commitment to ensuring safe and healthy working environments for employees, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol, through its Masbate Provincial Office, spearheaded the conduct of a High Impact, High Visibility Inspection and Monitoring (HIHVIM) in the construction industry last August 27, 2026, at B@ms Resto Bar, Lodging House & Catering Services.
A coordination meeting with the participating government agencies and local government unit (LGU) representatives discussed matters relevant to workplace safety, labor standards, social protection, and the effective monitoring of construction activities.
OIC-Regional Director Atty. Nepomuceno A. Leaรฑo II, CPA underscored the importance of a whole-of-government Approach in promoting safe and compliant workplaces, particularly in high-risk industries such as construction.
โGiven the nature and potential hazards of construction work, ensuring the safety, health, and welfare of workers is our priority. Where proper safety measures, protective equipment, safe working conditions, and regular monitoring is a must, to prevent accidents, protect workers from occupational hazards, and promote a healthy and secure workplace. This project involves general engineering works, including civil and electrical activities, which require strict compliance with occupational safety and health standards,โ OIC-RD Atty. Leaรฑo explained.
Inspection team proceeded to the selected construction site located in Barangay Malinta, Masbate City, which was led by Provincial Head Lynette H. Dela Fuente, Senior Labor and Employment Officer Chito D. Atibagos, Labor and Employment Officer III, Marjorie A. Dejumo, and Labor and Employment Officer III, Engr. Marlon G. Ascutia.
The activity was further strengthened through the participation of representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), building officials from the LGUs of Monreal, Placer, Pio V. Corpus, Aroroy, Batuan and Mandaon, as well as the Barangay Administrator of BLGU Malinta.
Through the HIHVIM, it continues to reinforce its mandate of protecting workers and promoting compliance with labor laws and occupational safety and health standards, while working closely with partner agencies and stakeholders toward the establishment of safer, healthier, and more decent workplaces across the province.[END] JVEG/M.Huidem
Data/Photos: Kevin B. Briones/DOLE Masbate