CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Pampanga Labor Inspectorate convened selected companies with 100–199 workers for an online orientation on the Family Welfare Program (FWP) as part of efforts to promote healthier, more productive, and employee-centered workplaces.
The orientation aimed to encourage medium-sized enterprises to integrate family welfare initiatives into their management system to uplift worker morale, reduce absenteeism, and improve overall organizational well-being.
Senior Labor and Employment Officer Akbar O. Tumale led the discussions, highlighting the 10 dimensions of the Family Welfare Program.
These include reproductive health and responsible parenthood, education and gender equality, health and medical services, nutrition, spirituality, hygiene and sanitation, sports and recreational activities, team-building programs, and transportation assistance.
Tumale also briefed employers on International Labour Organization Convention 190 (ILO C190), citing the importance of maintaining workplaces free from violence and harassment, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.
He noted that the convention’s principles extend protection not only to workers, but also to interns, volunteers, and job seekers.
While current labor inspection standards require only establishments with more than 200 workers to form a Family Welfare Committee, DOLE Pampanga encouraged participants to adopt the program early.
Tumale said the orientation equips companies with strategies to implement welfare initiatives even before they reach the mandated threshold, allowing them to create a more supportive environment for their workforce.
DOLE Pampanga Provincial Head May Lynn C. Gozun opened the webinar, underscoring the value of institutionalizing worker-centered policies.
“Having a family welfare program in place brings tangible advantages. It improves workers’ morale, reduces absenteeism, enhances retention, and strengthens trust between management and employees,” she said.
Gozun added that the initiative forms part of DOLE’s continuing support to companies in building safe, inclusive, and welfare-driven workplaces across the province. (MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
