The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday, Nov. 22, that it has formalized a partnership with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. to launch the Labor Relations Training Program, which aims to benefit over 300 line managers and enhance workplace governance.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and Maynilad President and CEO Ramoncito S. Fernandez signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA ) last week in Quezon City, reinforcing their commitment to promoting employee rights, effective grievance handling, and workplace harmony.
Under the agreement, DOLE will provide technical expertise, training materials, and facilitators, while Maynilad will manage logistical requirements and assess the training's effectiveness.
Laguesma emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in ensuring smooth operations for Maynilad’s critical services.
“When management and employees share a clear understanding of rights, responsibilities, and conflict resolution processes, workplace harmony is maintained,” Laguesma stated, adding that Maynilad’s operational continuity is vital due to its essential services.
Meanwhile, Fernandez recognized DOLE’s guidance and stressed the role of union support in the program’s success.
“With DOLE’s guidance, our managers will be better prepared to manage the workplace challenges, as well as the day-to-day work that we are facing, and help us build a workplace where everyone thrives,” he said.
Union leaders, including Maynilad Water Supervisors’ Association Vice President Janita H. Suarez and Maynilad Water Sewerage Union-Philippine Transportation and General Workers Organization President Virgilio C. Tolentino, Jr., expressed their support for the initiative, highlighting the value of transparency and open communication in fostering an inclusive workplace.
The training program, initially conducted in four batches from September to October 2024, involved 150 participants and will expand to include Maynilad employees from other regions in 2025.
Developed by DOLE-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), the program aligns with Maynilad’s objectives.
The MOA signing was also attended by BLR Officer-in-Charge Atty. Maria Consuelo S. Bacay, Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branch-NCR Director Edgar G. Aquino, and PTGWO National President Atty. Arnel Z. Dolendo.