• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugar industry federation leader Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr. and his 28 farmworkers have reached an amicable settlement in their labor dispute to foster industrial peace and preserve a harmonious working environment on the farm.
In a statement, Valderrama’s legal counsel Roland Ravina said the settlement reflects his client’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the workers through dialogue and mutual understanding.
Ravina said that Valderrama, the president of Confederation of Sugar Producers (CONFED), voluntarily offered a financial settlement package that exceeded the workers’ original claims filed before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
He said the offer was extended as a gesture of goodwill and humanitarian compassion even before any formal directive was issued.
Ravina added that Valderrama actively participated in the DOLE’s Single-Entry Approach, a conciliation and mediation mechanism that seeks to resolve labor issues promptly and avoid lengthy legal proceedings.
He expressed regret though in what he described as a routine and confidential administrative conciliation process becoming the subject of public attention, alleging that outside parties attempted to sensationalize the matter.
Ravina said the farmworkers and their leaders ultimately chose to prioritize constructive dialogue and peaceful resolution.
With the settlement concluded, Ravina said Valderrama hopes that future labor concerns will continue to be addressed through established legal and institutional mechanisms, emphasizing that constructive engagement remains the most effective path toward protecting both workers’ welfare and industrial harmony. | GPB
