THE Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 6 (DOLE-6)–Negros Occidental Field Office (NOFO) intensified the inspection of temporary dwelling facilities of migratory sugar workers (MSWs) or “sacadas” that were transported from the province of Antique.
“The inspection of dwelling facilities, conducted on August 17 to September 11, 2020, was intensified to align with the protocols in preventing the further spread of COVID-19,” explained Mary Agnes N. Capigon, DOLE Negros Occidental Field Office Head.
The said temporary dwelling facilities are located at the haciendas in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Silay, Talisay, Kabankalan, Victorias, and La Carlota, and in the towns of Binalbagan, Isabela, Murcia, Pontevedra, and Pulupandan.
These initiatives were brought about by a request of the planters’ group of Negros Occidental for an early inspection of the temporary dwelling facilities of MSWs in anticipation of an early harvest season this 2020.
In response, DOLE-6 Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao raised with the Central Office that the existing inspection procedures and checklist are not aligned with IATF issuances. As such, a memorandum with a checklist aligned with the safety and health protocols of Department of Health and IATF was released by the Central Office.
Aside from inspection, the DOLE is also preparing for the manner of transfer of the sacadas. “We have been issuing authority to hire to planters. Hence, our office is now preparing for the arrival of MSWs since their transportation will not be the same as previously practiced and safety protocols shall be strictly observed,” said Capigon.
Negros Occidental expects 3,034 MSWs for the month of October and November this year./PN
