The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 13 (Caraga Region) said 81 workers in Surigao del Sur have received settlement pay totaling PHP1.2 million this year through its Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) program.
In a statement on Thursday, DOLE-13 said the cases, filed by private company workers, included claims for service incentive leave, final pay, illegal dismissal, and minimum wage. The amount was released as of September.
“SEnA is a non-litigious and cost-free mechanism for resolving labor disputes and addresses workplace issues through conciliation-mediation,” the agency said.
It reported that 57 requests for assistance were filed at the provincial DOLE office during the period. Of these, 49 were resolved, yielding a settlement rate of 92.45 percent.
“Through conciliation, we help both the workers and employers find fair and practical solutions by building stronger and more productive workplaces, and preserving industrial harmony,” said Genebelle Bal, head of DOLE-Surigao del Sur.
The agency also recognized its desk officers for promptly acting on requests, which prevented disputes from escalating.
SEnA is institutionalized through Republic Act 10396, or an act strengthening conciliation-mediation as a voluntary mode of dispute settlement for all labor cases.
“These achievements underscore the continued relevance and impact of the SEnA program in fostering peaceful, just, and equitable work environments,” DOLE-13 said. (PNA)