CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) –The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) signed a memorandum of understanding for the provision of labor and employment assistance to professional and retired athletes and other stakeholders of GAB.
Signed by DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and GAB chairperson Richard S. Clarin on 6 December 2023, the MOU secures promotion of safety and welfare of all professional athletes and other GAD stakeholders.
“Ang ating nilagdaang MOU ang siyang magpapatibay sa ating ugnayan at kolaborasyon upang magbigay ng higit na proteksiyon at seguridad sa paggawa ng mga manggagawa mula sa sports industry,” Laguesma said.
“Itong ating binalangkas at nilagdaang partnership ay magiging instrumento upang ating matugunan ang pangangailangan hindi lamang ng stakeholders ng GAB, kung hindi ng DOLE. Kasama niyo kami sa adhikaing maisulong ang kapakanan ng mga atleta at manggagawa sa sports industry,” he added.
Based on the MOU, professional athletes, particularly those retired or injured, or those undergoing mandatory rest periods will be given livelihood opportunities, or emergency employment programs from DOLE.
Inclusive employment facilitation programs such as Public Employment Services, National Skills Registration Program, and dissemination of timely relevant and accurate Labor Market Information will also be made available to athletes and other GAD beneficiaries.
Both the DOLE and GAB also commit to conduct investigation and resolution on labor-related reports, hold lectures and seminars on employee rights and benefits during sports gatherings, and support athletes’ and other stakeholders’ applications for assistance.
“The GAB is dedicated to working with DOLE in promoting employment opportunities within the sports and amusement sector, ensuring safety and well-being of all employed professional athletes and stakeholders, and collectively addressing challenges that may arise in our respective jurisdiction,” Clarin said.
“This collaboration is a testament to the recognition that by joining forces, we can achieve more together than we ever could alone,” Clarin Added.
The ceremonial signing was held in line with DOLE’s 90th year activities with other government offices to strengthen inter-agency partnerships for expanded services delivery.
The event was also graced by DOLE Undersecretaries Carmela I. Torres, Atty. Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr., Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, as well as GAB Commissioner Sherwin B. Bugarin, chief of staff Atty. Regino D. Mallari Jr. and other GAB and DOLE personnel. (DOLE/PIA-NCR)
