The Department of Labor and Employment or Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Empleyo is the national government agency mandated to formulate policies, implement programs and services, and serve as the policy-coordinating arm of the Executive Branch in the field of labor and employment and is tasked with the enforcement of the provisions of the Labor Code.
In April, the total population of 15 years old and over was estimated at 73.7 million wherein a number of persons were in the labor force. The Department of Labor and Employment serves 41.1 million workers comprising the country’s labor force and 2.2 million overseas Filipino workers.
The DOLE started as a small bureau on Dec. 8, 1933.With the passage of Act 4121 by the Philippine Legislature, it was renamed as Ministry of Labor and Employment in 1978 and was renamed as a department after the 1986 EDSA Revolution.
The DOLE consists of the department proper composed of the Office of Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III which include five undersecretaries, seven assistant secretaries, 38 Philippine overseas labor offices, seven services, six bureaus, 16 regional offices, 83 field offices, four satellite offices and 12 agencies attached to DOLE for policy and program coordination and administrative supervision.
These agencies are Employees’ Compensation Commission, Institute for Labor Studies, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, National Labor Relations Commission, National Maritime Polytechnic, National Wages and Productivity Commission, Occupational Safety and Health Center, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Professional Regulation Commission.
Here’s the message of Sec. Bello for the 87th DOLE anniversary:
“Wishing the entire Department of Labor and Employment family a very happy 87th anniversary of our dear department.
I am very grateful that despite the heavy trials our agency remains useful for Filipino workers inside and outside the country.
Most of all, my heartfelt gratitude to all the people who form DOLE because in the midst of their unity in the midst of the pandemic, we are able to deliver the help that the workers need.The challenges that come and go to the department are intense but it is ready to answer the call of duty because of our strong association.
I hope that by taking care and following the rules regarding safe living we can continue our collective action to promote the welfare of our workers.
The future of our nation depends on the heroic response to the new era.”
July 27, 2024
