The last leg of the Bureau of Labor Relations’ Technical Supervision Program concluded at Hotel Kimberly, Tagaytay last 05 September 2014. Pursuant to its mandate to monitor and evaluate the implementation of labor relations programs and policies as well as to capacitate LR focal persons in the DOLE Regional Offices, the BLR has been conducting Technical Supervision Programs regularly. This year, the Bureau took its technical supervision to a new level with enhanced training methodologies and interactive learning activities. Three area-wide activities were held at the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City, Cebu Grand Hotel in Cebu City and Hotel Kimberly in Tagaytay since the third week of August 2014.

Labor Relations and Social Dialogue Cluster head Rebecca C. Chato graced all activities not only to give a keynote address but also to discuss major developments in labor relations. She relates the global economic setting to the industrial relations in the country. “There are impeding challenges and nuances in labor relations and social dialogue and that the role of the government is to facilitate discussions to reach consensus among the parties involved.”

Programs and services were discussed by representatives from the different divisions of the Bureau tackling the following subjects: Registration Processes and Issues, Tripartism and Social Dialogue, Representation and Union Concerns, Workers Organization Development Program and Measuring Labor and Employment Education Services. The participants were also oriented on the new system of reporting, the DOLE Planning Exchange (DPX), devised by the Planning Service.

Guest resource persons were invited in order to capacitate the focal persons in both written and oral skills. The technical writing seminar was conducted by Labor Communications Office Director, Nicon F. Fameronag who emphasized the need to use everyday language to make our writings understandable to the public. Ms. Julie F. Rodriguez of the Human Resource and Development Service handled the discussions on good presentation skills.

As part of the advocacy of the Department on transparency and integrity, resource persons from the Legal Service were also present to discuss Agency Procurement Compliance where participants are given guidance on efficient procurement and the Rules on Disposition of Administrative Complaints and Cases where the nature and disposition of administrative cases were presented.

Overall, the area-wide activity was a success. Participants appreciated the activity as it provided them opportunities to refresh and retool their skills in the implementation of labor relations programs and policies. The activity was a great opportunity for the new employees to learn about labor relations.