CITY OF SAN FERNANDO---The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently assisted a total of 974 micro establishments in their action plans.

This initiative is expected to help small firms increase productivity and comply with labor standards.

Some 242 firms in Bulacan, 185 in Pampanga, 175 in Bataan, 172 in Zambales, 110 in Nueva Ecija, 46 in Aurora, and 44 in Tarlac received technical and advisory services from DOLE during an inspection conducted by labor inspectors in coordination with local government units.

"The activity is part of our new inspection framework anchored on the government’s thrust of ensuring compliance with labor rules including occupational safety and health. Our inspection team started early since we are targeting more than 16,000 micro establishments in the region for this year,” said DOLE Regional Director Geraldine Panlilio.

After each technical and advisory session, the micro establishments were assisted in their action plans which will be monitored and validated at the end of a three-month period.v