COTABATO CITY—Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) vowed to further protect the rights and welfare of the workers in the Bangsamoro region during the first leg of the region-wide Labor Consultative Summit held on Oct. 19, held in this city.
The event convened the different Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), employers, and other Bangsamoro labor groups from this city.
“It is our very objective that we have to protect the interest of the labor, both public and private sectors as well as the different entrepreneurs and employers,” Labor Minister Datu Muslimin Sema.
“I believe that this consultative assembly will bolster the cooperation between and among the employers, the workers, and the government in shaping labor, social and economic policies and programs of the government,” Sema said.
The Minister believed that activity will help improve their effectiveness in promoting business continuity, workers’ health and safety, and preserving jobs across the region.
He also recognized the efforts of employers who have worked to strengthen and advance the rights of the workers by showing compassion and promoting safe and enhanced work conditions.
“The workers and employers are setting together at the same table which proves and shows how our labor relations efforts make the employers and workers closer to each other not only here in Cotabato City but in the entire Bangsamoro region,” Sema said.
Moreover, the Bangsamoro Productivity Olympics was held on the same day to recognize the best-designed and successfully implemented programs of MSMEs in the region.
The Rap & Tell General Merchandise from Parang, Maguindanao, and Hanna’s Empanada from Bongao, Tawi-Tawi were named Productivity Champions during the summit which received plaques of recognition and cash prize worth Php50,000.00 each.
Other entries also received plaques of recognition and cash prizes after undergoing deliberations from the selection committee:
1st runner-up, Louella Seph General Merchandise (Parang, Maguindanao) – Php30,000.00
2nd runner-up, Wrap Sarap (Bongao, Tawi-Tawi) – Php20,000.00
3rd runner-up, Nangaan Farmers Peace and Development Association (Nangaan, Kabacan) – Php15,000.00
3rd runner-up, Ali Cellphone & Accessories (Jolo, Sulu) – Php15,000.00
Awardee, Mandarin Tea Garden (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00
Awardee, Hukad Golden Courie (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00
Awardee, Gluta Lounge (Cotabato City) – Php10,000.00
Awardee, Matling Cooperative (Malabang, LDS) – Php10,000.00
3 Ace General Merchandise (Bongao, Tawi-Tawi) – Php10,000.00
Simply Joy Fashion Boutique (Jolo, Sulu) – Php10,000.00
National Wages and Productivity Commission Director Jerome Yanson emphasized the importance of productivity, saying that “the rich culture, the good people, and the vast and rich natural resources of the BARMM have an impact on productivity and economic recovery.”
“Regardless of your religion, political affiliations, your belief, or your color, there is only one thing about productivity—more equitable and sharing of gains lead to a productive workforce,” Yanson said. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
