In its effort to ensure wider coverage and labor protection for workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has tapped the assistance of the Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) and the Home Development  Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG Fund.

Labor Secretary Marianito Roque said his department recently entered into an agreement with the two agencies seeking to strengthen measures aimed at ensuring workers’ welfare and protection.

He said the memorandum of understanding and cooperation was signed between him and HDMF chief executive officer Jaime Fabiano, and PhilHealth president Rey Aquino.

“This partnership completes the process of housing and health benefit coverage with DoLE’s enforcement and inspection in labor standards,” said Roque.

“This will likewise ensure that employers comply with the law since the DoLE will subsequently provide the two agencies with inspection and monitoring reports,” he added.

The Pag-IBIG Fund was created by Republic Act (RA) 9679 to provide housing assistance to Filipinos through the mobilization of funds for shelter finance.

It specifies mandatory contributory support of employers for their workers who are Pag-IBIG Fund members.

While PhilHealth was created by RA 7875 to provide universal health insurance coverage aimed at providing affordable and accessible healthcare services to all Filipinos.

Under the agreement, the two agencies are expected to pursue efforts aimed at encouraging employers to comply with their requirements and to take appropriate actions on those found with violations.