The Employers Confederation of the Philippines successfully convened another edition of its Executive Labor Updates on Monday, May 26, 2025 with the theme “Safety First: Key Updates and Compliance Strategies under DOLE’s DO 252-25.” The event brought together key stakeholders from government, business, and the medical and construction sectors to tackle the latest developments in OSH regulations.

Mr. Antonio Sayo, ECOP Vice President, opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of aligning work practices to not ensure compliance but to go beyond it as well.

The highlight of the event was a comprehensive presentation by Atty. Alvin Curada, Director IV of the Bureau of Working Conditions at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Atty. Curada unpacked Department Order No. 252-25, which contains the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11058, also known as “An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof.”

In his presentation, Atty. Curada outlined the key provisions of the revised IRR, the rationale behind the updates, and critical compliance measures expected of employers across industries. He also addressed questions on enforcement mechanisms and practical implementation strategies, particularly in high-risk sectors.

Following the presentation, a panel of distinguished reactors shared sector-specific insights and challenges related to OSH compliance, namely Dr. Anna Sofia Victoria Fajardo, Immediate Past National President of the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, Inc., Mr. Alec Ladanga, Chief of Staff of the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc. and Ms. Crisanta Donato, Department Head – Environment of Care at The Medical City, who also shared institutional best practices and underscored the value of sustaining a culture of safety through compliance.

The event concluded with an open forum where participants had the opportunity to seek clarifications and exchange ideas with the panel.

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Edgardo Lacson

Chairman of the Board

Edgardo G. Lacson is currently the Chairman of the Board of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and Director of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). He was formerly President and Honorary Chairman of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).  He was the President of ECOP from 2010 to 2016. Ed Lacson also serves as the President of various business firms, including MIS Maritime Corporation, Safe Seas Shipping Agency, Marine Industrial Supply Corporation, and EML Realty. He serves as Chairman of Metrostore Corporation, MIL Export Philippines, Beacon Environmental Management Services and Primelode, among others.

He is likewise Trustee of both the De La Salle Canlubang, Inc. and Philippine Petroleum Sea Transport Association (PHILPESTA), Managing Director of Link Edge, and a member of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Philippine Interisland Shipping Association (PISA), and Makati Business Development Council (MBDC).

An alumnus of then De La Salle College and now De La Salle University where he earned his degree in Bachelor of Science in Commerce (BSC) Major in Accounting, Ed Lacson indeed through the years has expanded his horizons.

Edgardo Lacson serves as Honorary Chairman at PCCI. His previous business affiliations include the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC), Marine Chemical Corporation, VLK Traders Philippines, Inc., and Esso Standard Eastern.