Republic of the Philippines ry S
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BATIBEP_1 3 2022 Th
i . w

Quezon City © Me: 2M»

< ey: _{%
ETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session NS
HOUSE BILL No,_*753

Introduced by Representative Alan 1 B. Ecleo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed bill aims to establish a provincial office of the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

As provided for under Presidential Decree No. 442, as amended, otherwise known as
the Labor Code of the Philippines, it is the declared policy of the State to promote full
employment and ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race or creed and regulate
the relations between workers and employers. Furthermore, under Executive Order No. 126,
among the mandates of the DOLE is the promotion of gainful employment opportunities and
the optimization of the development and utilization of the country's manpower resources

In the pursuit of fulfilling the abovementioned state policy and mandate, several
regional and provincial DOLE offices have been established all over the country to reach more
potential workers and efficiently connect them with employers, thereby enabling them to
provide for their families and be productive members of society. Despite these efforts and
developments, however, some provinces, from the moment of their creation, unfortunately still
do not have their own DOLE provincial offices. Among these provinces is the Province of
Dinagat Islands.

Fourteen years since its creation by virtue of Republic Act No. 9355, the Province of
Dinagat Islands continues to grapple with a high unemployment rate which is incredibly
alarming for a young province trying to stand on its own feet and bolster the local economy
The problem with unemployment was further aggravated by the pandemic, and then, by the
onslaught of typhoon Odette. Such a serious social and economic issue have resulted in a
further widening of inequalities which this representation seeks to address in a timely manner.

Hence, the establishment of the DOLE Provincial Office of Dinagat Islands is deemed
an urgent necessity in order to bridge the gap between local unemployment and the available
jobs in the market, both on a national and international level. When approved, the presence of
the said office in the Province will bring plenty of opportunities to improve the lives of
Dinagatnons.


In view thereof, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4753

Introduced by Representative Alan 1 B. Ecleo

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL OFFICE OF THE
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT IN THE PROVINCE
OF DINAGAT ISLANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION I. There shall be established a provincial office of the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) in the Province Office of Dinagat Islands, to be known as the DOLE
Provincial Office of Dinagat Islands, which shall exercise jurisdiction over all municipalities
of the province and shall be headed by a provincial director.

SECTION 2. The Secretary of Labor and Employment shall immediately include in the
agency’s programs the operationalization of the DOLE Provincial Office of Dinagat Islands,
the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current fiscal year’s appropriation of
the DOLE. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued operation of said DOLE
provincial office shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months from the
approval of this Act, the Secretary of Labor and Employment shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 4. Separability Clause. Should any part or provision of this Act be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue to be
in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in
the Official Gazette or in any two national newspapers of general circulation.