THE Department of Labor and Immigration has already reduced its work backlog by half, acting Labor and Immigration Secretary Jack A. Tenorio said.
Tenorio told Variety that DOLI division heads and employees have successfully reduced delays that have plagued the department in the processing of applications for employees, renewals, immigration documentation, among others.
“We are working together in improving the system,” Tenorio said. “There is still a lot of backlog, but we have reduced it and we will continue to reduce it,” he said.
He said overtime work and the hiring of new employees to fill 20 vacancies will also further reduce DOLI’s backlog.
Gov. Juan N. Babauta, in a separate interview, commended Tenorio’s efforts.
As one of the critical agencies of the government, DOLI should be given “enough support,” the governor said.
“We are standing ready to assist the department and its request for manpower,” Babauta said.
Tenorio was earlier lauded by the administration for successfully implementing cost-cutting measures at DOLI. The department is also in the process of re-negotiating its lease agreement with Sablan Construction to reduce the $400,000 annual rent DOLI pays the company.
