DOLE pushes for green workplaces

by RP Escalante

Legazpi City (26 October) — “No to pollution, never!”, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol regional director Ernesto C. Bihis stressed over a radio program, when asked about the agency’s contribution to the provincial government-led Albay Eco-Challenge over the week end.

DOLE Bicol, though it did not personally involve its personnel to the physical extremities of the eco-challenge, has launched during the first week of this month the Green Workplaces campaign in line with the national plan on climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“We (at DOLE) are pursuing the Green Workplaces drive by encouraging business establishments to use pollution free machines,” Bihis stressed.

At the national level, labor “think-tank” the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) contended head-to-head with other climate change adaptation teams nationwide in a friendly competition on the 1st Albay Eco-Challenge yesterday, October 25.

The ILS team, with its Green Workplaces advocacy, was composed of eight employees of the ILS who are ‘geared up’ to run, ride, swim and struggle in a battle of endurance and wits, competed in a series of physical and mental challenges set at the country’s 1st Eco-Challenge on Climate Change Adaptation.

“The institute is one with the nation in the search for practical ways to adapt to climate change,” said ILS Executive Director Cynthia R. Cruz, the prime mover behind the DOLE Green Workplaces advocacy.

“Work, workers and workplaces are most likely to bear the brunt of climate change given the unimaginable damage to livelihood and property that recent natural disasters have caused. Solutions to avert risks must be done,” Cruz added.

The Albay Eco-Challenge, designed to increase awareness on climate change and other important environmental issues, was organized by the Albay Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) as a major part of the 2nd National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation.

During the 1st National Conference in 2007, the Albay Declaration was unanimously adopted, to promote social dialogue between workers and employers to realize potential for green and decent jobs thru positive support for workers and employers in the transition towards environmentally sustainable patterns for production and consumption.

“The ILS will be the official representative of the whole DOLE. It will also be a good tourism opportunity for Bicol GO green workplace!” Bihis said. (DOLE V/PIA)