DOLE and GAB Collaborate to Support Athletes’ Employment

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) joined forces through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This partnership, signed on December 6, 2023, aims to provide essential labor and employment assistance to athletes and various stakeholders affiliated with GAB.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and GAB Chairperson Richard S. Clarin inked the MOU, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing the safety and well-being of individuals within the sports industry.

Laguesma expressed, “This MOU strengthens our collaboration to offer increased protection and security for workers in the sports industry. Our established partnership will serve as a tool to address the needs of not only GAB stakeholders but also those of DOLE. We stand with you in advancing the welfare of athletes and workers in the sports industry.”

Under the MOU, retired or injured professional athletes, as well as those undergoing mandatory rest periods, will benefit from livelihood opportunities and emergency employment programs facilitated by DOLE. The agreement also includes access to inclusive employment facilitation programs such as Public Employment Services, and National Skills Registration Program, and the dissemination of timely and accurate Labor Market Information.

Both DOLE and GAB pledge to investigate and resolve labor-related reports, conduct lectures and seminars on employee rights and benefits during sports events and support athletes and stakeholders in applying for assistance.

GAB Chairperson Clarin affirmed the board’s dedication to collaboration, stating, “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.”

Expressing gratitude for the partnership, Clarin added, “This collaboration is a testament to the recognition that by joining forces, we can achieve more together than we ever could alone.”

The ceremonial signing, held in alignment with DOLE’s 90th-anniversary activities, saw the presence of DOLE Undersecretaries Carmela I. Torres, Atty. Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr., Atty. Benjo Santos M. Benavidez, GAB Commissioner Sherwin B. Bugarin, chief of staff Atty. Regino D. Mallari Jr., and other GAB and DOLE personnel. The event underscored the commitment to strengthened inter-agency partnerships for expanded service delivery. (ASC)