SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), held a town hall meeting in Subic on Friday, July 16, to brief employers and industry stakeholders on reforms to the country’s Alien Employment Permit (AEP) system.

The ONE Alien Employment Permit (AEP) Town Hall Meeting, held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, brought together employers, business organizations, human resource practitioners and representatives from the manufacturing, construction, hospitality, business process outsourcing and other industries.

DOLE officials discussed changes to the administration of Alien Employment Permits, including updates under Administrative Order No. 199 and Department Order No. 248, Series of 2026.

Florence P. Daquioag-Bual, director of DOLE’s Legal Service, said the initiative aims to improve coordination among employers, accredited agents, business organizations and government agencies involved in processing permits for foreign nationals seeking employment in the Philippines.

She said the town hall also provided stakeholders with updates on application procedures, documentary requirements, digital services and compliance processes.

SBMA Acting Deputy Administrator for Legal Affairs and Labor Department Manager Atty. Melvin Varias said cooperation among DOLE, SBMA and AFAB is intended to improve the efficiency and transparency of the permit process while supporting investment in the country’s freeport zones.

“As we continue to attract investments and create employment opportunities in our Freeport zones, it is essential that government agencies work hand in hand to simplify processes while upholding our laws and protecting the interests of both employers and Filipino workers,” Varias said.

DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. said the latest reforms centralize the implementation of AEP regulations under the bureau to promote accountability, consistency, transparency and efficiency.

He said the changes are intended to streamline procedures, strengthen regulatory oversight and create a more predictable permitting system for employers.

“The Alien Employment Permit remains anchored on two key objectives: giving preference to qualified Filipino workers while allowing the employment of foreign nationals only when specialized expertise is not readily available locally, and encouraging technology transfer and skills development through programs such as understudy training,” Patriwirawan said.

He encouraged employers of foreign nationals to facilitate knowledge transfer to help prepare Filipino workers for technical, managerial and leadership positions.

AFAB Community Affairs Officer Mark Lester Quinta said the agency supports the updated guidelines, adding that harmonized procedures and continued coordination among government agencies could improve the regulatory environment for businesses operating in freeport zones.

The event concluded with an open forum, where employers, labor practitioners and industry representatives raised questions and sought clarification from DOLE technical personnel on the revised regulations and permit application process.

Organizers said the town hall is part of the government’s continuing efforts to modernize labor regulation and strengthen coordination with the private sector. (Text and photos by Jun M. Dumaguing for Ang Pahayagan)