THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Wednesday that it would strengthen labor justice services through professional training, research and institutional development.
“Even if we aspire to reach that middle-income status as a country, we cannot be proud of a state or a status even if we claim to be prosperous, if the hands that build the wealth of this country — I’m referring to the workers — are still poor. If they are still seeking grievances, seeking justice before various forms, and being denied access to justice, we cannot be a middle-income country,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said after signing a memorandum of understanding with Philippine Judicial Academy (Philja) Chancellor Justice Edgardo Delos Santos.
Under the partnership, Philja will assist the DOLE in developing the curriculum, organizational structure and training programs of the National Academy of Labor Justice (NALJ).
The agreement covers the development of faculty and trainers, preparation of learning materials, research, seminars, workshops, conferences and other training activities.
DOLE said the initiative was in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to strengthen public service, particularly workers' rights and welfare.
Established under DOLE Department Order 257, Series of 2026, the NALJ serves as the department's exclusive and mandatory training institution for labor justice practitioners.
The agreement takes effect immediately and will remain in effect for five years.
