DOLE promotes digital technology for safe, healthy workplaces

Occupational Safety and Health Center executive director Jose Maria Batino (2nd from right) with other Department of Labor and Employment officials at the launch of the 3rd Occupational Medicine Week in Quezon City on Mar. 17, 2025. DOLE PHOTO/REGIE MASON

Occupational Safety and Health Center executive director Jose Maria Batino (2nd from right) with other Department of Labor and Employment officials at the launch of the 3rd Occupational Medicine Week in Quezon City on Mar. 17, 2025. DOLE PHOTO/REGIE MASON

OCCUPATIONAL Safety and Health Center (OSHC) executive director Jose Maria Batino has called for a "human-centered approach" to the future of work, underscoring the necessity to balance technological innovation with strong workplace safety and health policies at the launch of the 3rd Occupational Medicine Week in Quezon City on Mar. 17, 2025.

OSHC is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

With the theme, "Digital Technology in Occupational Medicine Practice," the event featured panel discussions on digitization of occupational safety and health reports through an online portal, the integration of digital technology in evaluating compensation claims, and the crucial role of social

media in promoting occupational safety and health awareness among workers and employers.

Also gracing the event were OSHC governing board member lawyer Allan Montaño, Bureau of Working Conditions director Alvin Curada, Employees' Compensation Commission executive director lawyer Kaima Via Velasquez; and DOLE-National Capital Region assistant regional director lawyer Jude Thomas Trayvilla.

Following the kick-off activity was a webinar series on digital transformation initiatives in OSH programs for both the private and government sectors on 20-21 Mar. 20 to 21, 2025.

Meanwhile, DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr., upon the invitation of the secretariat to the Global Coalition for Social Justice (GCSJ), participated in an interview on social justice in the Philippine context and the Philippine government's initiatives to further its promotion.

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF OIC-ASSISTANT SECRETARY MARIA CONSUELO BACAY

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto Bitonio Jr. PHOTO FROM THE OFFICE OF OIC-ASSISTANT SECRETARY MARIA CONSUELO BACAY

Bitonio emphasized that the principles of social justice are integral to all phases of national development and must be anchored in full respect to civil liberties.

He also underscored the importance of maintaining a collaborative platform for action and dialogue, such as the GCSJ, to advance the International Labor Organization's (ILO) mandate to promote social justice and internationally recognized labor and human rights.

GCSJ serves as a platform to generate political commitments, investments and concrete actions that support social justice in alignment with national priorities.

In Dec. 2023, the Philippines formally accepted ILO's invitation to join GCSJ in line with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and the Labor and Employment Plan 2023-2028.