A total of 718 workers received PHP23.2 million in settlement claims through the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) program of the Department of Labor and Employment-Negros Island Region (DOLE-NIR) from January to June 2026.
In a report released on Tuesday, July 28, DOLE-NIR said these results were based on the 347 requests for assistance handled by the regional office across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
“Through SEnA, parties are guided towards practical and mutually acceptable solutions before disputes develop into full-blown labor cases,” the agency said.
In Negros Occidental, 256 requests were handled for 617 workers, who received a settlement amount of PHP19.8 million, while in Negros Oriental, there were 70 requests with the same number of workers, resulting in claims worth PHP3.04 million.
Siquijor had 21 requests that benefited 31 workers with PHP366,008 in settlement amount.
For a period of six months, the DOLE-NIR facilitated the amicable settlement of labor-related concerns through conciliation and mediation, allowing workers and employers to resolve disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding.
It added that upholding industrial peace by providing responsive, accessible, and people-centered labor services through its SEnA program ensures that workplace concerns are resolved fairly, promptly, and without unnecessary litigation.
Meanwhile, the DOLE-NIR released a total of PHP378.604 million of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) assistance to 43,332 individuals from Negros and Siquijor in the first six months of 2026.
Negros Occidental has the bulk of beneficiaries at 22,888, who received wages amounting to PHP197.68 million.
Negros Oriental listed 17,292 beneficiaries with total wages of PHP151.35 million, while 3,152 beneficiaries in Siquijor were paid PHP29.57 million.
“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,” DOLE-NIR said.
It added that for many beneficiaries, the temporary employment also serves as a financial bridge during periods of unemployment, underemployment, or economic uncertainty.
“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,” the agency said.*PNA
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