Sixty-three workers in Surigao del Norte received a total of PHP1.45 million in financial relief during the first quarter of 2026 through the Department of Labor and Employment’s Single-Entry Approach (SENA) program, officials said Thursday.

Data from DOLE-Surigao del Norte (DOLE-SDN) showed the agency received 53 Requests for Assistance (RFAs) from employees seeking help with workplace disputes during the period.

“These cases involved common workplace concerns, including unpaid wages, monetary claims, and other employment-related disputes,” DOLE-SDN said.

Of the RFAs filed, 37 were settled through the SENA program, resulting in financial settlements totaling PHP1,445,398.40.

“The settlement helped 63 workers recover wages and claims without the need for lengthy legal proceedings,” the agency added.

‘Menandro’, one of the beneficiaries who asked that only his first name be used, said he and four co-workers sought mediation over salary issues.

“There were five of us who asked for mediation from the DOLE because of the problem with the salary. We are thankful that the mediation process, through the SENA, was successful,” he said.

He added that the financial claim he received was a significant boost for his family.

“The assistance is a big help to my children, who are still schooling, and to the needs of my family,” he said.

DOLE-SDN described SENA as its flagship program for resolving labor disputes quickly and amicably.

“SENA is designed to provide a faster, less costly, and non-adversarial way of resolving labor issues,” the agency said.

Through conciliation-mediation, workers and employers are brought together to reach agreements within 30 days. (PNA)