CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga (PIA)—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Luzon has reaffirmed its commitment to workplace safety by urging employers to uphold fair, human, and accident free work environments.
This is as DOLE 3 Regional Director Geraldine M. Panlilio led the ceremonial signing of the pledge “United for Zero Accidents: A Call to Action” in observance of the 2025 World Day for Safety and Health at Work, as part of the national Labor Day celebration on May 1.
During the event, Panlilio stressed that achieving zero workplace accidents should not be a distant goal, but an urgent priority. She also emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to workplace safety, where employers anticipate and mitigate risks before they lead to accidents.
“To create truly safe workplaces, we must anticipate hazards and act before accidents happen. Prevention must be part of our everyday operations,” she said.
Relative to this, DOLE continues to strengthen collaboration among workers, employers, government agencies, and safety advocates to uphold and enhance occupational safety standards.
In Central Luzon, the agency closely monitors high-risk industries including construction, manufacturing (particularly those using heavy machinery), pyrotechnics, and transportation to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
As part of its safety campaign, DOLE and its private sector partners pledged to recognize companies and individuals who champion Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and adopt evolving safety measures to address emerging workplace challenges.
Panlilio also announced that DOLE will soon release a new department order aimed at helping micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) comply with occupational safety standards.
Beyond safety, DOLE continues to conduct regular workplace inspections to ensure that employers fulfill their obligations, including paying their employees’ contributions to the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), PAG-IBIG Fund, and other government-mandated benefits. (MJSC/SFV, PIA Region 3-Bulacan)
