A man wearing glasses, a white collared shirt with a logo, and a microphone is speaking at a clear podium with a logo visible at the bottom. He is standing in front of a white curtain with a partially visible flag or banner to his right.
A group of people are standing and sitting behind a long table covered with a white cloth. Behind them is a large blue banner that reads "World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025" and includes the theme "Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization at Work Towards Achieving Zero Accident." Most individuals are wearing white shirts and red lanyards with IDs. Some individuals in the front row are holding documents. A person in the foreground, with their back to the camera, appears to be taking a photo of the group with a camera. The setting suggests a formal event or press conference related to workplace safety and health.
A close-up shot captures Bienvenido E. Laguesma, identified by a nameplate as the Secretary of Labor and Employment, signing a document at a table covered with a white cloth. He is wearing glasses and a light-colored embroidered shirt. Several other individuals are partially visible standing behind the table, observing the signing. A large blue banner in the background displays "World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025." The focus is on the signing of the document, suggesting a formal agreement or declaration related to the event.

QUEZON CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) proudly marked the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2025 by reinforcing its commitment to promoting workplace safety and health across all industries. This year’s theme, “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digitalization at Work Towards Achieving Zero Accident,” emphasizes the use of technology in safeguarding the well-being of Filipino workers. 

A major highlight of this year’s celebration is the collaboration between DOLE’s Bureau of Working Conditions (BWC) and the Philippine Domestic Construction Board (PDCB), which resulted in the development of new Guidelines for Temporary Accommodation and Welfare Facilities for Construction Workers. These standards, aligned with Republic Act No. 11058, mandate the provision of safe, humane, and adequate facilities—such as water stations, toilets, bathing and laundry areas, kitchens, healthcare stations, and recreational spaces—on all construction sites. 

These guidelines were the product of the Technical Working Group (TWG) composed of key government and private sector representatives, and was subjected to public consultations with the construction industry stakeholders.  The guidelines and the proposed standards passed review and were approved by the DOLE–Technical Committee on Legislative Matters (TCLM) and the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC). 

As PDCB’s and DOLE’s partner in this advocacy, Engr. Roger G. Antonio, the Society of Construction Law Philippines, Inc.’s representative to the TWG, gave his message of support delivered by PDCB’s Engr. Renz Maverick E. Alcance, emphasizing the critical role of multi-sectoral collaboration and innovation in ensuring safer, healthier, and more dignified workplace for construction workers. 

The DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma signed the DOLE Department Order No. 253, Series of 2025, providing for the Guidelines for the Standard Design and Specifications for Temporary Accommodation and Welfare Facilities for Construction Workers in a ceremony held on 28 April 2025 at the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) in Quezon City. This marked a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the working and living conditions of one of the country’s most vulnerable labor sector, the construction workers. 

Secretary Laguesma said that, “Health and safety are non-negotiable,” emphasizing the government’s unwavering commitment to upholding humane conditions in the construction sites nationwide. 

You may access the signed DOLE Department Order here: 
https://bwc.dole.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Department-Order-253-25.pdf 

For questions or inquiries, please contact the PDCB Secretariat at: 
PDCB@construction.gov.ph ♦

Date of Release 05 May 2025

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