DOLE Chief Calls for Worker Incentives Amid Typhoon Threat
On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma made a significant appeal to employers across the Philippines. He urged them to consider providing special rewards to employees who manage to report for work despite the imminent danger posed by Super Typhoon Uwan.
Prioritizing Safety and Recognizing Resilience
In a phone interview, Secretary Laguesma emphasized that it would be a commendable gesture for companies to grant extra incentives to those resilient workers who braved the severe weather conditions. "For those employees who report for work, provision of extra incentives or benefits should be considered and granted," Laguesma stated clearly. This move aims to acknowledge the dedication of workers who ensure the continuity of essential services.
However, the Labor Secretary was equally firm in protecting the rights of other employees. He explicitly stated that workers who are unable to go to work due to the typhoon must not be punished or face any disciplinary action.
Advisory for Leniency and Understanding
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued a strong advisory, calling on all employers to exercise leniency and understanding. "DOLE advises employers to be lenient and understanding in the treatment of employees who are unable to report for work due to weather disturbances like the coming Uwan," Laguesma said.
The underlying principle for this advisory is the paramount importance of safety. "They should prioritize and ensure the safety and health of their employees over any other consideration," the Secretary affirmed, reminding businesses that human welfare is the top priority during natural calamities.
According to weather forecasts, Super Typhoon Uwan is expected to make landfall over southern Isabela or northern Aurora on Sunday evening or early Monday, prompting widespread precautionary measures across the affected regions.
