On June 7, 2024, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Rural Sectors Project and DOLE Region XII – SOCCSKSARGEN co-organized a special meeting of the Fishing Industry Tripartite Council (FITC) at the Grand Summit Hotel in General Santos City.
Participants included representatives from DOLE Region XII, FITC members, and ILO Rural Sectors Project. The meeting aimed to present updates on the ILO USDOL Rural Sectors Project, discuss the implementation of the Region’s Strategic Compliance Plan, and identify good practices and challenges.
Highlights included a report by Ms. Fatima Bataga of DOLE RO XII on the Strategic Compliance Plans for fishing vessels and seafood processing, emphasizing labor inspections, livelihood assistance, and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) trainings. Ms. Rosanna Bernadette Contreras of SFFAII updated on the FFSAPI-SARGEN Handline Fisheries Improvement Project and recent safety training for officers. Dr. Jett Oco from the General Santos City OSH Compliance Unit presented initiatives in partnership with PhilHealth to improve health services for workers. The meeting also featured an outcomes harvesting workshop where participants shared good practices and emphasized the importance of organized labor and employer representation in social dialogue. The Project and FITC members committed to promoting improved working conditions, OSH, and gender equality in the fishing sector.
