Originally posted at Sonnie’s Porch on March 28, 2005  

DOLE Dept. Order No. 56-03
Series of 2003

BASIS:

1. Article 134 of the Labor Code
2. 1995 International Conference on Women.
3. 1999 International Conference on Population and Development Program of Action.
4. The Philippine Population Management Program
5. Directional Plan for 2002-2004.
6. The Philippine Plan for Nutrition 1999-2004

NEW PRIORITIES/ TEN DIMENSIONS:

1. Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood.
2. Education/ Gender Equality
3. Spirituality or Value Formation
4. Income Generation/Livelihood/Cooperative
5. Medical Health Care
6. Nutrition.
7. Environment Protection, hygiene and Sanitation
8. Sports and Leisure
9. Housing.
10. Transportation

EMPLOYERS RESPONSIBILITY

1. Establishment employing more than 200 workers in any locality “shall” form a Family Welfare (FWC) committee through the assistance of the DOLE Regional Offices. Those employing less than 200 employees are “encourage” to do the same.

2. Employers are urged to provide the necessary support, assistance and resources to FWC in the conduct of capability building activities for labor and management leaders, members of FWC committee, clinic and clinic staff, and peer educators.

I was one of the participants in a forum where the subject matter is discussed with gov’t, employer, union and n.g.o. representatives.

It was presented that more labor organization are including non cash benefits on its CBA with management, particulary family planning & family welfare.

Likewise, if the program will be implemented, said by DOLE, the results will be less absenteeism and high morale of employees.

Concerns raised:

1. The ten dimensions of the program can be used by employee against management.
2. The ten dimensions may be too expensive for management
3. With this order, it seemed that there is no more room for CBA negotiation.
4. On the item of family planning, conservative management may not welcome the idea of artificial contraceptives.
5. What constitute compliance is not clear.

Suggestions given:

1. Concrete study on the effect of effect of the program to the ‘bottom line’ and the effect of the program to the employee.
2. Focus on projects that add value