The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has partnered with the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law and the UP Law Center to launch a paralegal training program for trade union members and laborers.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the program aims to strengthen and improve workers' and trade unionists' understanding of labor rights and legal solutions.

The program originated from the memorandum of agreement that was signed by DOLE and UP last year.

"The program was designed to empower trade unionists and their members with the knowledge and tools necessary to better protect themselves while navigating the complexities of labor laws and workers’ rights, verify facts, prepare statements, look for leads, and respond effectively to reported violations," said Laguesma.

The training syllabus covers a wide range of labor laws, starting from basic principles and the rights and duties of workers to more complex legal issues.

It discusses Republic Act (RA) 11479, known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and tackles current issues such as gender equality in the workplace.

Moreover, it provides hands-on instruction on case filing, report drafting, and affidavit preparation.

The training also provides a chance to protect the right to self-organize, guarantee timely legal interventions, and improve the operational efficiency of monitoring entities.

Laguesma stated that the collaboration between DOLE and UP was a direct response to the challenges presented by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and signifies a major achievement in the Philippines' commitment to preserving conventions that protect workers' freedom to exercise their rights.