DOLE-12 addresses sugarcane workers issues and concern, sees increased productivity

TULUNAN, North Cotabato -- Sugarcane production in Central Mindanao are expected to improve with some of the issues and concerns addressed during the Sugarcane Stakeholders Dialogue initiated by Department of Labor and Employment over the weekend, labor officials said today.DOLE 12 in partnership with the District Tripartite Council 12 held the dialogue at the Farmers' Training Center in Tulunan, North Cotabato.DOLE 12 OIC-Regional Director Albert E. Gutib lauded the response and presence of all sugarcane stakeholders. Your presence means that you are now ready to be part of the solution to issues and concerns besetting the industry. We hope that with this forum, the interest of field workers, planters, mill owners and LGUs will be prioritized,” Gutib said.He also invited stakeholders to visit DOLE 12 Field offices to avail programs and services particularly on the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).More than 80 stakeholders dialogue participants were oriented on SAP and other programs and services provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Bureau of Internal Revenues (BIR) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose representatives were present during the dialogue.Issues addressed during the dialogue include the sugarcane planters difficulty in filing income tax returns and application for a Tax Identification Number (TIN).The concern was resolved when the Cotabato Sugar Central Company Incorporated, the lone sugar mill in the region, through Cane Supply Manager Engr. Edgar S. Sarmiento offered the services of facilitating the processing of documents with the BIR.Marjorie Latoja, DOLE 12 North Cotabato field office head, believed the dialogue signaled the start of a strong partnership and cooperation between and among stakeholders of the sugarcane industry.