GENERAL SANTOS CITY — The RTWPB-XII provided guidance on wage compliance to transport cooperatives during the Labor Laws Seminar on September 18, 2025 in General Santos City,

Representing the RTWPB-XII, Mr. Renato A. Gardose, Senior Labor and Employment Officer, discussed the provisions of Wage Order No. RBXII-24 and its practical implications for transport cooperatives operating under the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

Mr. Gardose emphasized that the correct implementation of prescribed wages is crucial, serving as a foundation for fair employment practices and productivity improvement.

“Compliance with the prescribed minimum wage is not merely a legal duty—it’s a commitment to fairness and sustainable business,” said Mr. Gardos. “When workers are compensated justly, they deliver better results, which ultimately enhances service quality and enterprise performance,” he added.

The seminar, organized by the Department of Transportation–Office of Transport Cooperatives (DOTr–OTC), convened 88 participants from various transport cooperatives. It aimed to strengthen awareness of labor standards and ensure compliance among stakeholders involved in the ongoing modernization of public transport.

Resource speakers from DOLE-XII and the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC)  also delivered presentations on Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health, Termination of Employment, and the Employees’ Compensation Program.

The RTWPB-XII continues to advocate for a balance between worker welfare and enterprise viability, encouraging transport cooperatives to embrace productivity and compliance as drivers of modernization and economic progress. (Randy Oliver M. Legada)