WORKERS RISE STRONGER THROUGH DOLE QUEZON’S LABOR EDUCATION

Engr. Rudelyn G. Bautista, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE-QPO who led the session, underscored the essential purpose of the initiative, noting that knowledge remains one of the strongest safeguards in the workplace. She emphasized that when workers fully understand their rights and responsibilities, they do not only gain confidence—they also find the courage to take an active and meaningful role in shaping a fair and thriving work environment.

On November 25, 2025, 44 dedicated employees of SMC Integrated Farm Specialists, Inc. in Palsabangon, Pagbilao, Quezon gathered for an empowering learning session under the Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES) program of the Department of Labor and Employment – Quezon Provincial Office (DOLE-QPO).

The activity, conducted to strengthen workers’ understanding of their rights and responsibilities, was facilitated through an engaging, inclusive, and interactive seminar that aimed to uplift employees by equipping them with the knowledge they need to navigate the world of work with confidence and dignity.

What began as a simple workplace learning activity quickly transformed into a meaningful conversation about fairness, accountability, and shared responsibility in creating safe and productive work environments. Participants listened attentively as the LEES program unraveled essential labor standards, fair workplace practices, and mechanisms that protect both workers and employers. The session was not merely an information drive—it became a bridge towards better decision-making and a stronger sense of empowerment in their professional journeys.

Engr. Rudelyn G. Bautista, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of DOLE-QPO and facilitator of the session, emphasized the heart of the initiative:

“Knowledge is a form of protection. When workers understand their rights and responsibilities, they gain not only confidence but also the courage to participate meaningfully in building a just and thriving workplace.”

DOLE-QPO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Cristina H. Barayang likewise highlighted the lasting value of LEES in shaping better work communities:

“The advantage of this program lies not only in compliance but in transformation. LEES helps workplaces grow into spaces where fairness, safety, and respect become everyday realities—not exceptions. Empowered workers create empowered organizations.”

As the session concluded, participants left the venue carrying more than just printed materials—they carried renewed clarity. The kind of clarity that strengthens morale, sparks hope, and deepens the belief that every individual in the workforce deserves dignity, security, and opportunity.

In the stillness after the seminar, one truth stood out: when knowledge becomes accessible, empowerment becomes possible. And just as DOLE Quezon opened the day by illuminating the path toward informed and protected workers, it closed with the same promise—that every empowered worker lights the way for another.

---

MANGGAGAWA, MAS PINALAKAS SA PAMAMAGITAN NG LABOR EDUCATION NG DOLE QUEZON

Noong Nobyembre 25, 2025, nagtipon ang 44 dedikadong empleyado ng SMC Integrated Farm Specialists, Inc. sa Palsabangon, Pagbilao, Quezon para sa isang makabuluhang sesyon ng pagkatuto sa ilalim ng Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES) program ng Department of Labor and Employment – Quezon Provincial Office (DOLE-QPO).

Isinagawa ang aktibidad upang palalimin ang pag-unawa ng mga manggagawa sa kanilang mga karapatan at responsibilidad. Ito ay ginanap sa isang seminar na nakapupukaw-interes, pangkalahatan, at may pakikilahok. Ang seminar ay naglalayong itaas ang kumpyansa ng mga empleyado sa pagharap sa trabaho, sa tulong ng kaalaman na magpaparangal at magtatanggol sa kanila.

Ang simpleng aktibidad ay mabilis na naging isang makahulugang talakayan tungkol sa pagiging makatarungan, may pananagutan, at sama-samang responsibilidad sa paglikha ng ligtas at produktibong mga lugar-paggawa. Tahimik at buong atensyon na nakinig ang mga kalahok habang ipinaliwanag ng LEES program ang mahahalagang labor standards, makatarungang aktibidad sa pagawaan, at mga mekanismong nagpoprotekta sa parehong manggagawa at employer. Hindi lamang ito basta information drive—ito ay naging tulay tungo sa mas mahusay na pagpapasya at mas matibay na empowerment sa kanilang mga karera.

Binigyang-diin ni Engr. Rudelyn G. Bautista, Senior Labor and Employment Officer ng DOLE-QPO at tagapagpadaloy ng sesyon, ang tunay na diwa ng inisyatiba:

“Ang kaalaman ay isang anyo ng proteksyon. Kapag nauunawaan ng mga manggagawa ang kanilang mga karapatan at responsibilidad, nakakamit nila hindi lamang ang kumpiyansa kundi pati ang tapang upang makibahagi nang makabuluhan sa pagbuo ng isang makatarungan at umuunlad na workplace.”

Gayundin, binigyang-halaga ni DOLE-QPO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Cristina H. Barayang ang pangmatagalang benepisyo ng LEES sa paghubog ng mas maayos na komunidad sa paggawa:

“Ang bentahe ng programang ito ay hindi lamang nakasalalay sa compliance kundi sa transpormasyon. Tinutulungan ng LEES ang mga lugar-paggawa na maging espasyong ang katarungan, kaligtasan, at respeto ay nagiging pang-araw-araw na realidad—hindi eksepsyon. Ang mas pinalakas na manggagawa ay lumilikha ng mas malakas na organisasyon.”

Pagtatapos ng sesyon, umalis ang mga kalahok na hindi lamang may bitbit na materyales—dala nila ang panibagong linaw. Isang linaw na nagpapalakas ng morale, nagpapasiklab ng pag-asa, at nagpapalalim ng paniniwalang ang bawat indibidwal sa sektor ng paggawa ay karapat-dapat sa dignidad, seguridad, at oportunidad.

Sa katahimikan matapos ang seminar, nanatili ang isang malinaw na katotohanan: kapag ang kaalaman ay naipapamahagi, nagiging posible ang pagpapalakas. At tulad ng pagbigay-liwanag ng DOLE Quezon sa umaga upang gabayan ang mga manggagawang may layunin at proteksiyon, nagtapos din ang araw sa parehong pangako—na ang bawat pinalakas na manggagawa ay nagiging ilaw na patuloy na gumagabay sa iba.