The Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on the advancement of employment opportunities, livelihood assistance, and support services for professional athletes.
Signed by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma with GAB represented by chairperson Richard S. Clarin, the agreement ensures the safety and well-being of all professional athletes and other GAD stakeholders.
Under the agreement, retired or injured athletes, or those undergoing mandatory rest periods, will receive employment facilitation programs from DOLE.
These include public employment services, national skills registration programs, and dissemination of timely, relevant, and accurate labor market information.
Both entities will also commit to investigating and resolving labor-related reports, holding lectures and seminars on employee rights and benefits during sporting events, and supporting athletes' and other stakeholders' requests for assistance.
Part of the signed agreement will be for the parties to “work together to promote employment opportunities within the sports and amusement sector, ensuring the safety and well-being of all employed professional athletes and stakeholders, and collectively addressing challenges that may arise in the respective jurisdiction.” (Trixee Rosel)