DOLE brings services to Siargao with new satellite office
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Gone are the days of costly sea trips to mainland Surigao City for labor-related services as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga inaugurated the DOLE-Dapa satellite office at the municipal gymnasium in Barangay 6, Dapa, Siargao Island in Surigao del Norte.
Held on April 14, this strategic move directly addresses the surge in Siargao Island’s tourism industry, ensuring that labor standards and worker protections keep pace with the island’s rapid development, serving all nine municipalities of the island group.
By establishing a permanent on-site presence, DOLE aims to: enhance accessibility by eliminating the need for long-distance travel to the mainland for workers and employers; Regulate global tourism in providing on-site monitoring of labor standards, particularly for the high concentration of foreign nationals and businesses on the island; and Streamline Permits means more effectively manage alien employment permits (AEP) and ensure local and foreign entities comply with Philippine labor laws.
The inauguration was led by Labor Assistant Secretary Joel M. Gonzales, together with DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, DOLE Surigao del Norte head May Velonta, DOLE Dapa satellite office head Luzvifeno Miguel A. Cab, Public Employment Service Office (PESO) managers and other key regional officials.
Asec. Gonzales said, “Bringing services closer to island communities is a priority for the department, as it improves accessibility and empowers the local economy.”
“A permanent presence on the island allows for more holistic and responsive assistance, ensuring that beneficiaries in geographically isolated areas receive the same level of support as those on the mainland,” he added.
For business owner Joel, a resident in General Luna town, the establishment of this satellite office is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it is a landmark moment for the key players of the local economy.
“We are deeply grateful to DOLE for recognizing the unique needs of our island. This office stands as a testament to the fact that Siargao Island is not just a place to visit, but a place where professional standards and labor dignity are held in the highest regard.” he said.
Meanwhile, during the activity, DOLE released a total of P2,976,513 million livelihood funding to benefit 71 solo parents from the municipality of Socorro that will support livelihood projects aimed at providing sustainable income for marginalized sectors.
A turnover of the Certificate of Accreditation to the Atoyay Rural Community Agriculture Cooperative (ARCACO) was also realized, enabling the organization to act as an accredited co-partner in the future implementation of various livelihood and employment programs of DOLE. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOLE-Surigao del Norte)
