The Department of Labor and Employment – Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) facilitated ₱23.2 million in labor settlements for 718 workers through its Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) program from January to June 2026.
According to a report released Tuesday, the agency resolved 347 assistance requests across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor through conciliation and mediation.
“Through SEnA, parties are guided towards practical and mutually acceptable solutions before disputes develop into full-blown labor cases,” DOLE-NIR stated.
Negros Occidental recorded the highest share of settlements, with ₱19.8 million awarded to 617 workers across 256 requests. Negros Oriental handled 70 requests involving 70 workers, yielding ₱3.04 million, while Siquijor settled 21 requests for 31 workers totaling ₱366,008.
DOLE-NIR noted that its SEnA program actively promotes industrial peace by offering accessible, dialogue-driven services that resolve workplace issues swiftly without prolonged litigation.
Alongside labor dispute resolutions, DOLE-NIR disbursed ₱378.6 million in wages to 43,332 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program during the same six-month period.
Negros Occidental accounted for 22,888 beneficiaries receiving ₱197.68 million, Negros Oriental recorded 17,292 recipients totaling ₱151.35 million, and Siquijor assisted 3,152 workers with ₱29.57 million in disbursements.
“Beyond the wages earned, the program has become a means for families to temporarily address daily needs such as food, education expenses, transportation costs, and household utilities,” the agency noted, adding that the initiative provides crucial relief during periods of financial distress or unemployment.
“Across the region, TUPAD beneficiaries took part in a wide range of community-based activities that improved public spaces and promoted safer, cleaner, and more resilient communities,” DOLE-NIR added.