The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-V (RTWPB V) joined government agencies in Bicol in a show of unified support for safer, fairer, and more productive workplaces during the Regional Multi-Agency Coordination Meeting and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing for High-Impact, High-Visibility Inspection and Monitoring (HIHVIM) on September 23, 2026.

Organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol, the activity supports Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino’s commitment to strengthening labor inspection and enforcement. RTWPB-V, the body responsible for wage determination and productivity promotion in the region, took part in the discussions and in the formal MOA signing.

Through the agreement, participating agencies committed to work together in promoting compliance with labor standards, occupational safety and health requirements, and other workplace laws. The initiative focuses on four priority sectors namely – tourism; agriculture, fishing and forestry; manufacturing; and wholesale and retail trade.

RTWPB-V Board Secretary Ocmer joined the discussions on the Labor Inspection System, Regional Labor Inspection and Enforcement, and the proposed Regional Multi-Agency Inspection and Monitoring Framework, which outlines the roles, responsibilities, and areas of coordination among partner agencies.

Regional Director Geraldine M. Panlilio, CESO IV stressed that the effort goes beyond regulation. “We are here to give the necessary assistance, not to police,” she said, adding that the goal is collaboration that will help the region “really move forward” through industries that drive economic growth.

She also described the MOA as “more than just affixing signatures to a document,” emphasizing the aim of ensuring the welfare of workers and the sustainability of establishments.

RTWPB-V’s participation adds to the coordinated effort to help employers comply with wage and labor standards while protecting workers across the region. (Kim D. Orencia)