MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)–The Department of Labor and Employment-Bukidnon Provincial Field Office (DOLE-BukPFO) reactivated on July 25 the Industry Tripartite Council in Pineapple and Banana (ITC-PB) for robust and sound labor-management relations.
Raul Valmores, Provincial Director of DOLE-BukPFO, said the ITC’s rebirth manifests the willingness of the management and labor sectors to work together to maintain a peaceful working environment, especially since Bukidnon is a leading producer and exporter of pineapple and banana, employing thousands of workers in the industry.
Officers for ITC Pineapple include April Globelle San Sebastian, Mark Bacerra, Raul Verdida, and Jacinto Selibio Jr. from MKADC; Gwen Romo from Sumifru Philippines; Evangeline Obligado, Jerome Lim, Francisco Jose, Eric Fantinalgo from Davao Agricultural Ventures Corporation; and Eric Parlucha from Del Monte Philippines.
On the other hand, the officers for ITC Banana were Roque Dumaque from MKADC; Florence Dacutanan, Joseph Dalinao, Maerex Truta, Roselio Paquingan, and Nelson Villarin, all from Dole Philippines; Leo Carag and Joemar Portillas from Sumifru Philippines; Nerio Albao from Dole Skyland Philippines; and Henry Balansag Jr. from Mt. Kitanglad Agri Venture Inc.
ITC-Pineapple Vice Chairperson on Management April Globelle San Sebastian vowed to actively support the economic stability of the pineapple sector and advance the welfare of employees and their dependents.
Nerio B. Albao, ITC-Banana’s vice chairman on labor, said that all elected officers would work in the Council’s best interest to achieve stable and conflict-free labor relations within the banana industry.
The newly elected officers took their oath at Mt. Kitanglad Agri Venture Development Corporation (MKADC) on 25 July 2023 before DOLE-Bukidnon provincial director, who chairs the provincial ITC.
Apart from election and oath-taking, the body also amended the Codes and By-Laws of both ITC, discussed future activities and convergence of DOLE programs for both industries and received updates about the General Labor Standards presented.
Ruben Biado, the DOLE Bukidnon’s Supervising Labor and Employment Officer, reiterated that the Department would schedule regular meetings and learning sessions to maintain interaction and collaboration among its member companies.
The DOLE promotes the creation of ITCs under ILO Convention 144, which institutionalizes tripartism by providing a continuing forum for tripartite discussions and consultations, empowering workers’ and employers’ organizations, improving rights, achieving industrial peace, and enhancing productivity.
