CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recovered around ₱4.68 million in monetary benefits for Nueva Ecija workers from January to June 2026 through its Single-Entry Approach (SENA) program.
This accomplishment supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing inclusive economic growth by ensuring fair labor practices, strengthening access to justice, and fostering harmonious employer-employee relations to sustain business confidence and job creation.
During the first half of 2026, the provincial office successfully facilitated the settlement of 249 Requests for Assistance (RFAs), enabling employees to receive unpaid 13th-month pay, final salaries, overtime compensation, separation benefits, and other lawful claims.
DOLE Nueva Ecija Officer-in-Charge Provincial Director Ethell Galvan emphasized that under the leadership of Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, the agency remains committed to providing prompt, fair, and accessible mechanisms for resolving labor and employment concerns.
“We ensure that every worker has access to justice while also providing every employer the opportunity to resolve disputes amicably,” Galvan added.
Beyond settled cases, DOLE Nueva Ecija also extended assistance to 275 additional clients whose concerns were outside the jurisdiction of SENA.
Through technical assistance and referrals, the agency directed clients to appropriate government offices to ensure they received the services they needed.
Most settlements involved workers from the services, wholesale and retail trade, accommodation and food services, administrative support, and construction sectors.
Many cases were resolved through Single-Entry Conferences, demonstrating the effectiveness of dialogue in addressing workplace issues while preserving productive labor-management relationships.
According to DOLE, the program has not only provided immediate financial relief to workers but has also encouraged greater compliance with labor standards among employers, contributing to more stable and productive workplaces across Nueva Ecija.
As the province continues to attract investments and generate employment opportunities, DOLE Nueva Ecija further strengthens the implementation of SENA and other labor programs to ensure that workers’ welfare remains protected while supporting a business environment anchored on fairness, cooperation, and decent work. (CLJD/CNG, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
