DOLE unveils LLC marker at the FAB

MARIVELES, Bataan – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Sec. Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz this morning led the unveiling of Labor Law Compliant marker inside the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) making it the first labor law compliant freeport in the country. Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) Chairman and Administrator, Atty. Deogracias Custodio and other local officials joined Baldoz in the formal ceremonies.

““The unveiling of this marker is part of our continuing effort to foster a culture of voluntary compliance with all labor laws following the directive of President Benigno S. Aquino III to the DOLE to ensure that all labor laws that provide protection and benefits to our workers are implemented and carried out. This is part of our reform program, the new Labor Laws Compliance System (LLCS),” Baldoz said.

Since last year, seven economic zones have been awarded Certificates of Compliance as labor laws compliant economic zones. Markers have been mounted in each of the labor laws compliant ecozones, with no less than Secretary Baldoz unveiling them.

Citing the report of Bureau of Working Conditions, Baldoz said the DOLE Regional Offices have issued 7 Certificates of Compliance (COCs); and correspondingly, have mounted a 22.75 ft. by 15.75 ft. marker in each of the labor law compliant ecozones.

There are a total of 765 locators and/or establishments; and 101 subcontractors in these ecozones. Baldoz said the declaration of these seven ecozones has raised the bar of labor laws compliance system in the country.

The first of the seven economic zones is at the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City, declared as a labor laws compliant ecozone on 4 October 2014. The COC issued extends to its 9 locators, benefitting at least 20 subcontractors in the area.

On December 22, 2014, a series of unveiling occurred in Region 7 in the following ecozones: (1) Cebu Light Indurtial Park; (2) Mactan Economic Zone II; (3) Coca-Cola Femsa; and (4) San Miguel Corporation. The COC issued extends to its 59 locators, benefitting at least 20 subcontractors in the area.

A record was also made in DOLE-CAR with the unveiling of the LLCS marker at the Baguio Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) on February 23. The BEPZ became the first ecozone in the country to have worked and achieved Labor Laws Compliance, Child Labor-Free, and Productivity-based Practitioner certificates. The COC issued extends to its 16 locators, benefitting at least 21 subcontractors in the area.

On March 13, DOLE Region 10 boasted of its first labor-law compliant ecozone; and mounted a marker at the Phividec Industrial Estate, which has 106 locators, and 40 subcontractors.

At present, the FAB is the emerging fashion manufacturing hub of the Philippines, as it possesses a budding cluster of companies producing high-end brands of garments, apparel, shoes and accessories, like bags, jewelry, among others.

Its vision is to be the Freeport of choice in the country by 2020, becoming a center of trade, innovation and sustainable development in Asia and promoting work-life balance, global competitiveness and environmental protection.