The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), employers, employees and the weather bureau have met to discuss on how to lessen the effects of intense heat in workplaces due to El Niño,

In a news release Thursday, the DOLE reported that Secretary Francis Tolentino engaged in talks with the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), PSLINK (representing the public sector unions) and construction companies to address upcoming labor advisories geared toward safeguarding workers against intense heat.

Tolentino noted the purpose of the meeting is to finalize the labor advisories to be issued and to extend essential safety and health protections to workers across every employment sector, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives to safeguard the nation’s workforce.

In addition to safety protocols, the DOLE chief discussed with employers of different sectors regarding flexible work arrangements, ensuring business continuity while minimizing employee exposure to the severe heat.

“We need to ensure the labor standards, occupational safety standards without sacrificing the output and productivity of the employees, workers, together with their safety, but recognizing likewise the business and their work,” he said.

Tolentino also underscored the critical role that the upcoming labor advisories will play in safeguarding the rights, health and overall welfare of the workforce.

“We have to prepare and simulate the effect of this one. If we don’t issue the labor advisory and we go on to business as usual, then in fact, likewise (effect) would be health-related,” he added.

Tolentino is also set to meet with platform workers to generate their input on the proposed labor advisory for delivery riders.

The government is gearing up for a strong El Niño which is set to begin in November and will continue until the first half of 2027. It is forecast to peak before the end of 2026. (PNA)