Private, public sectors in Caraga strengthen freedom of association
BUTUAN CITY -- The members and representatives from the private and public sectors in Caraga Region convened during the 2nd Multi-Sectoral Dialogue on Freedom of Association, recently conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga, to strengthen their commitment and understanding within their respective agencies to uphold the right to freedom of association.
The dialogue was attended by members of the Regional Tripartite Industrial Peace Council, DOLE Regional Coordinating Committee, EO23 Interagency Committee, security forces, and representatives from both the labor and employer sectors.
During the activity, DOLE Mediator-Arbiter Rechell B. Apao discussed the Omnibus Guidelines on Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties (Joint Memorandum Order No. 1, Series of 2024).
She emphasized the responsibility of organizations to create an enabling environment that ensures the exercise of the freedom of association and the right to organize, free from violence, pressure, and threats.
After the discussions, participants shared their perspectives on freedom of association, focusing on the four areas of concern identified by the 2019 Committee on Application Standards.
Each representative expressed strong support based on the mandate of their respective agencies to promote, respect, and protect civil liberties, including the right of workers to form organizations.
DOLE Assistant Regional Director Raymond Fel F. Sajor expressed his gratitude for the strong support of the attendees in promoting the right to organize.
Apao also expressed her gratitude by stating, “Thank you for all your support of the freedom of association across different sides and mandates in each agency. Our values go beyond our daily work. It's about learning to communicate, reaching out, and striving to understand and respect each other's mandates. This also requires a deep sense of understanding. The expansion of knowledge leads to a greater understanding of each and every one of us.” (DOLE-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
