14 June 2012- The Philippine Embassy in Dili, in partnership with the Association of Filipinos in East Timor (AFET), organized a forum on the new Labor Code of Timor-Leste on June 08 at the Conference Hall of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.
Ms. Joy Cabrillas, a Filipino Human Resources officer of World Vision, gave the briefing on the new law. Her presentation highlighted the provisions of the labor law that would have a significant bearing and impact on the stay or employment of Filipinos in Timor-Leste.
The forum was followed by a question and answer session.
Timor-Leste, which is Asia's newest nation, having restored its independence from Indonesia on 20 May 2002, is undertaking measures to strengthen its democratic institutions and governance framework.
In an effort to translate Timor-Leste's international commitments on the protection of the rights of workers into domestic law, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste passed the country's first-ever labor statute in February this year.
The Labor Code guarantees minimum protection to both Timorese and foreign workers.
The forum is one of the month-long activities of the Embassy to commemorate the 114th anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence. In line with this year's theme of Kalayaan: Pananagutan ng Bayan para sa Tuwid na Daan, the activity aims to educate Filipinos in Timor-Leste on relevant laws and regulations of the host country/government to instill in them the value of responsible citizenry.
The activity is also part of the public diplomacy efforts of the Embassy and is also aligned with President Benigno S. Aquino III's thrust to promote transparent, accountable and participatory governance.
The event was capped with a simple salu-salo. END