DOLE to launch campaign for green workers

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is soon coming out with a program to generate not only productive but also environment-friendly workers.

Ciriaco Lagunzad III, executive director of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), said they are set to launch tomorrow the “Green My Enterprise (Green ME)” program.

Lagunzad said the program would utilize green productivity technologies to achieve higher levels of workers’ productivity and better environmental performance.

He said the program, to be pilot-tested in the different regions next year, aims to train workers in micro, small, and medium enterprises on environment-friendly technologies.

“Green productivity must start with the workers by reducing the adverse effects of climate change,” he said.

According to Lagunzad, the NWPC, together with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards, also plans to coordinate with other government agencies to obtain inputs and expertise on the productivity program.

The Asian Productivity Organization, the leading advocate of productivity in Asia, has defined green productivity as a strategy which combines the appropriate technology and environmental management tools, techniques and technologies that reduce the environmental impact of an organization’s activities, products, and services while enhancing profitability and competitive advantage.

The NWPC’s green productivity techniques range from simple housekeeping to designing green products, from process modification to waste management and energy efficiency measures.

“As an advocacy, the DOLE bats for green workplaces and the creation of green jobs,” said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, as she noted that climate change also affects the world of work.

She said DOLE has intensified its efforts to address climate change with the adoption of programs such as the advocacy for green jobs.