Quezon City – Over sixty (60) handlers of Request for Assistance (RFA) under the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) program nationwide were trained to electronically process RFAs using a new information system being developed by the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB). The first training session took place on October 02 to 04 2024 at the Sequoia Hotel, in Quezon City, with active participation from RFA handlers from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Luzon. This was followed by a second training session in Cebu City on October 9 to 11 2024 which included participants from DOLE Offices in the Visayas and Mindanao regions.

Representatives from the NCMB facilitated the series of training sessions focusing on the internal and external features of the new information system. Assistant Secretary for Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster of the DOLE, Atty. Paul Vincent W. Añover delivered the opening speech for this nationwide initiative. In his address, Asec. Añover emphasized that the development of a new information system for the SENA is not merely a modernization effort of the Department, but is a commitment to reimagining labor governance through the use of digital technology. He stated that “The SEnA Information System is one of many initiatives that embody this vision. As part of DOLE’s ongoing strategy, we aim to streamline operations, enhance transparency, and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of our services. Our goal is clear – To deliver labor justice faster, more fairly, and with greater accessibility for all.”

ASEC Añover also underscored the need for conducting digitization initiatives while putting emphasis that the training represents a significant milestone in the Department’s journey towards digitization. He concluded his opening remarks by encouraging participants to align with the Department’s goal of creating an organization that is data-driven, service-oriented, and digitally competent.

“By adopting these digital solutions, DOLE is reinforcing its commitment to Bagong Pilipinas—a nation where technology enhances governance, ensuring that government services are efficient, transparent, and accessible. This approach benefits the labor sector by creating a more effective and fair system” stated Asec. Añover.

The training activity provided an opportunity for RFA handlers to use the digital system. It also offered the system developer valuable insights on improving the information system for faster and more efficient processing of RFAs. Participants engaged in hands-on user experience, and practiced mock complaint processing to familiarize themselves with the new procedure that may be implemented once the new information system is launched.

Deputy Executive Director Teresita E. Audea discussing the important contents of minutes of meetings for Single Entry Approach (SEnA) hearings and conferences.

Furthermore, Conciliator-Mediator Tess Kinsy Comandante, reminded participants during the Luzon training session that regardless of whether a complaint is processed manually or electronically, it should adhere to the same procedures and principles of conflict resolution. This includes a speedy, impartial, cost-effective, and accessible settlement of labor disputes.

The SEnA program is one of the flagship programs of the Department of Labor and Employment. It aligns with the Department’s mandate to promote and maintain industrial peace, and was established through Republic Act No. 10396. The program’s primary objective is to provide a swift resolution to conflicts. To facilitate this, the Department developed the Single Entry Approach Information System (SENAIS), an information system that operates 24/7 allowing clients to electronically submit a RFA to any Single Entry Assistance Desk. The SENAIS is part of Phase I of the Department’s Integrated Case Management System (ICMS) which aims to streamline all labor dispute resolution processes within a unified system.

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