line with the directive of DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino to strengthen workplace safety through collaborative governance, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol officially launched the High Impact, High Visibility Inspection and Monitoring (HIHVIM) for the construction sector through a multi-agency social dialogue and joint inspection at the construction project of Superior BT Inc. along Roxas Avenue, Barangay Triangulo, Naga City yesterday, July 8, 2026.
Carrying the theme “Building Compliance, Protecting Workers,” the pilot implementation showcased a whole-of-government approach in promoting compliance with labor standards, occupational safety and health (OSH), and industry regulations through strengthened collaboration among national government agencies and local government partners.
The highlight of the activity was the inter-agency joint inspection and drone-assisted monitoring of the construction site, where inspectors assessed compliance with labor standards, construction safety and health program, temporary living accommodation, PPEs, safety signages, and other measures designed to protect workers and promote their welfare.
It was led by DOLE OIC Regional Director Atty. Nepomuceno A. Leaño II, together with OIC ARD Ching Banania, DOLE Camarines Sur Provincial Head Ma. Ella E. Verano and Metro Naga Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Roderick “Nonoy” Reforsado, representing Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo.
Also joining the initiative were representatives from the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), Department of Health (DOH), National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), Skills Development Authority (SDA), barangay OSH Patrollers, the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and officials from the City Government of Naga.
Echoing Secretary Tolentino’s commitment to promoting decent work and safer workplaces, OIC RD Atty. Leaño reminded employers that compliance with labor standards and occupational safety and health requirements is both a legal obligation and a shared social responsibility. He likewise encouraged workers to properly use their personal protective equipment (PPE), emphasizing that these are life-saving tools rather than mere workplace requirements.
“Ang kaligtasan sa trabaho ay hindi lamang tungkulin ng isang tao o isang opisina. Ito ay pananagutan ng lahat. Kapag may panganib, dapat agad makita; kapag may kakulangan, dapat agad maitama; at kapag may banta sa kaligtasan, dapat agad maagapan,” he said.
He stressed that ensuring occupational safety and health protects not only workers but also their families and communities.
“Ang isang ligtas na manggagawa ay may malaking epekto sa bayan. Siya ang nagtataguyod sa kanyang pamilya. Kapag may nangyari sa kanya, apektado ang buong pamilya at komunidad. Marami sa mga aksidenteng ito ay maaaring maiwasan kung maagap nating matutukoy at maaaksyunan ang mga panganib,” Atty. Leaño added.
In her welcome message, Provincial Head Verano underscored the importance of launching the initiative in Naga City, citing the city’s rapidly growing construction industry and the need to ensure that development goes hand in hand with workers’ welfare and safety.
The City Government of Naga, through PESO Manager Reforsado, expressed its unwavering support for the initiative, reaffirming its strong partnership with DOLE in advancing workers’ welfare and promoting safe and compliant workplaces.
“The City Government of Naga has always been supportive of programs that uphold the rights and welfare of workers. Through initiatives like HIHVIM, we strengthen our partnership with DOLE and other agencies in ensuring safer workplaces, fair labor practices, and healthier communities,” Reforsado said on behalf of Mayor Robredo.
The launch featured a series of activities that reinforced the culture of safety and compliance, including the symbolic Commitment Wall signing, Workers’ Safety Oath, health and wellness activities led by partner agencies, toolbox meetings and workers’ feedback sessions, mobile OSH clinic services, and simultaneous information, education, and communication (IEC) distribution.
The activity concluded with a spotlight reporting and consolidation of inspection findings, followed by the closing remarks of DOLE OIC ARD Banania, who emphasized that sustained collaboration among government agencies, employers, and workers is essential in building a culture of compliance and ensuring safe, healthy, and productive workplaces throughout the Bicol Region. [END] JVEG
Photos by: JVEG/M.Marinay
Source: DOLE Bicol