Newly appointed Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino announced Monday that the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) will begin inviting labor and employer groups to speak at its weekly flag ceremonies to ensure all sectors are represented.

Speaking at his first flag-raising ceremony at the DoLE Central Office in Intramuros, Tolentino said the initiative aims to amplify the voices of the people the department serves, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to promote workers’ welfare and maintain industrial peace.

“We need to get their voices heard as well,” Tolentino said. “A flag ceremony is not just a weekly ritual; a flag ceremony is a renewal and commitment of what we should do as government servants.”

The labor chief said invitations will extend to policymakers, labor sector representatives, and employer groups, including Rep. Eli San Fernando, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, and domestic workers’ federations.

Tolentino added that he aims to position DoLE as the country’s top-performing agency by promoting growth and upgrading employee welfare.

“I pray for your cooperation. I pray for DoLE’s success. I pray for our unity,” Tolentino said. “I pray — and we will strive to ensure — that we raise not only the flag of the Philippines, but also the dignity of our beloved nation.”

Tolentino also clarified a 28 May memorandum mandating a return to the standard five-day physical workweek, stressing that it strictly applies to critical frontline and enforcement offices.

The full, daily on-site operations will cover the Office of the Secretary, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, the National Labor Relations Commission, all labor inspectors conducting on-site standard inspections, and personnel managing the TUPAD Brigada Eskwela emergency employment program.