VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur, Philippines — An advocacy for volunteerism initiated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has swept through Ilocos region with positive impact on the hotel and restaurant industry in at least three cities known for tourism.

DoLE Region 1 Director Henry John Jalbuena said that in 2011, three voluntary codes of good practices were adopted and operationalized in hotels and restaurants in the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta in Pangasinan and the province of Ilocos Norte.

Jalbuena said the codes allow self-regulation among industries by voluntary complying with a set of flexible rules pertaining to terms and conditions of employment, human resource development, social protection, family welfare and other programs which will be mutually beneficial to labor and management.

Essentially, he said, the social accords will enhance labor-management relations through social dialogue and the adoption of conciliation-mediation as priority mode of dispute settlement.

“These initiatives are clear manifestations of growing support among industries in the region to the DoLE’s mandate of promoting industrial peace-that is, with less interference from the government,” he added.

He said industrial peace ultimately leads to sustained employment generation and security; improved compliance to labor standards and working conditions, as well as occupational safety and health; and full coverage of all qualified workers to social welfare benefits.

Jalbuena said DoLE’s thrust of volunteerism is set within President Aquino’s Public-Private Partnership.

He said Region 1 is a fine example of gaining positive impact from its advocacy for volunteerism considering that more establishments in the region have begun institutionalizing various programs and strategies.