“BLE marks 30 years of employment serviceThe Bureau of Local Employment celebrated its Pearl Anniversary last 18 December 2012 at the Traders Hotel, Manila. The event, marking the Bureau’s 30 years of service, was graced by no less than DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, Undersecretary Danilo P. Cruz, and Assistant Secretary Rebecca Calzado. DOLE employees who previously served in the Bureau were also present namely: Mr. Virgilio “Veo” Guillermo, former Director of BLE, ARD Nelson Hornilla and Mr. Edgardo Bumanlag of DOLE-NCR, Mr. Ryan delos Reyes of BWSC, Ms. Marlyn Galaites of DOLE-CAMANAVA and Ms. Teresita Ballesteros, a retiree.

“For the past 30 years, the Bureau of Local Employment has taken the front seat in the development of strategies and mechanisms that aided in the promotion of labor and employment related policy recommendations and amendments, creation of decent work standards, and dissemination of strategic national developmental agenda -- a truly astounding achievement for a Bureau that had very humble beginnings within the Department.”

– DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz

This activity today is an essential preparation to address the issues and concerns that may be raised by the private sector on this national policy recommendation.”

– Undersecretary Danilo P. Cruz

BLE Officers and staff celebrating 30 years of employment service.

As a follow-through activity to the DOLE-wide Consultation on the Skilled Occupational Shortage List (SOSL) held on 19 December 2012, the DOLE thru the Employment Policy & Regulation Division (ESPRD) of BLE conducted a Consultation-Workshop for the representatives from Professional Regulatory Boards (PRBs) and Accredited Professional Organizations (APOs) on 4 January 2013, at the Bayleaf Hotel.

DOLE holds Consultation-Workshop on Skilled Occupational Shortage List

An audio visual presentation was showcased highlighting the milestones and accomplishments of the Bureau through the years. The BLE was founded and established in 1982, under Executive Order No. 797.

The participants were oriented on the study and recommendations developed by Dr. Charles Stahl under the RP-EU Trade Related Technical Assistance Project 2 (TRTA2). The initial list of identified hard-to-fill occupations, and the draft Department Order on SOSL were validated and reviewed by the participants.Currently, the Philippines implements the classic labor market test (LMT) through the publication of the name, position, employer and address, and brief description of functions of a foreign national who intends to apply for employment in the country. Any interested party may file objection or information with the DOLE Regional Offices within thirty (30) days after such publication. Any meritorious objection or information can be a basis for denial of application or cancellation of Alien Employment Permit (AEP). In the proposed adoption of SOSL, hard-to-fill occupations, which will be included in the list, will be exempted from the publication requirement.This activity is a part of a series of consultation for the development and implementation of the SOSL in the country which aims to address the needs of industry for skilled workers as well as to fulfill commitments of the Philippines towards the liberalization of trade-in services.

Layout Artists:Mr. Michael MaghariMs. Joyce PagalilawanMs. Jasper Joy Bayog

Contributing Writers: Mr. Paul CabaticMr. Kenneth Liza

Editorial Board:Director Maria Criselda SyMs. Ruth RodriguezMs. Jasper Joy Bayog

January-March ActivitiesMulti-stakeholder Consultation on SOSLTrainer’s Training on Manual of Procedures in Handling Complaints on Trafficking in Persons, Illegal Recruitment and Child Labor1st Quarterly BLE-PESOPhil Meeting

BLE goes green

As part of the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) and the of Green Our DOLE Program (GODP), the BLE in coordination with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Rizal, conducted a tree-planting activity on 11 December 2012 at Sitio Sacay, Boso-Boso, Antipolo, Rizal.

The BLE team after the tree planting activity.

The activity ended on a joyful note with BLE retirees and incumbent employees recalling their experiences, the programs they have helped implemented to promote and facilitate employment, their good old days in the Bureau, and how the organization has shaped and developed them with regard to their respective careers.

“The BLE shall promote full employment by facilitating access of Filipino jobseekers to local employment opportunities through policy researches, standards setting, strategy development, labor market analysis and provision of technical assistance to regional implementors in support of employment service operations.” –Mission Statement of the Bureau of Local Employment

BLE officers and staff pose with the ceremonial cake.

The reforestation site is about 2 hectares wide and is near the Sierra Madre Mountain ranges. BLE officers and staff were able to plant 500 Mahogany saplings. According to CENRO Forester Glenn Lliado, mahogany has a higher chance of survival when planted during this season and it suits the mountainous terrain of the area. BLE Director, Maria Criselda R. Sy, believes that the NGP is more than just planting trees. She opines that the program seeks to pursue sustainable development for poverty reduction, food security, livelihood development, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation and adaptation; all of which are contributing factors in attaining decent employment in the long term. The concluded activity provided a rare opportunity for the employees to commune with nature and to ponder the little things they can do to help the environment by nurturing the remaining forests and watershed areas in the country.