ILOILO City – Are construction workers in Western Visayas properly protected on the job?
Government inspectors set out to find out, conducting a sweeping audit of major construction projects across the region last week to verify compliance with workplace safety rules, labor standards, and mandatory worker benefits amid heightened scrutiny of the construction industry.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 launched the High Impact and High Visibility (HIHV) inspection on June 10 and 11, bringing together representatives from several government agencies to assess whether construction firms are meeting their obligations to workers.
The inspection drive was undertaken in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote safe and decent working conditions for Filipino workers and comes amid growing concerns over construction safety following a recent building collapse in Angeles City, Pampanga.
DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino has emphasized the need for stricter oversight of the construction sector, citing the importance of safeguarding workers in one of the country’s most hazardous industries.
Under the leadership of Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr., DOLE-6 labor inspectors joined forces with representatives from the Social Security System (SSS), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and local government units (LGUs).
The multi-agency team inspected major ongoing developments throughout Western Visayas, focusing on selected high-rise construction projects.
Aside from occupational safety and health compliance, inspectors also checked whether workers are enrolled in mandatory social protection programs and whether contractors are complying with labor regulations.
Atty. Jorge S. Ferraris II, officer-in-charge chief of DOLE-6’s Technical Support and Services Division, said the inspections are intended to protect workers and ensure construction sites maintain safe and healthy working environments.
“Through this coordinated inspection, agencies can immediately identify compliance gaps within their respective jurisdictions and assist establishments in addressing them promptly,” Rodriguez said.
DOLE said that if inspectors discover conditions posing imminent danger to workers’ lives, health, or safety, the Regional Director may issue a Work Stoppage Order in accordance with existing labor and occupational safety regulations./PN
