Philippines leads labor reforms amid global, regional cooperation
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- The Philippines is accelerating labor reforms and strengthening worker protections by partnering with international and regional organizations to build a competitive and resilient workforce, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
The Philippines is accelerating labor reforms and strengthening worker protections by partnering with international and regional organizations to build a competitive and resilient workforce, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said.
DOLE Undersecretaries Carmela I. Torres and Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. represented the country in key international labor forums, reaffirming the government's commitment to advancing employment generation and aligning national policies with global labor standards.
At the United Nations’ Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions in Geneva, Torres cited the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act as a milestone in establishing a national framework for employment and social protection, stressing the need for cross-sector collaboration in addressing labor market transitions.
In a separate engagement, Bitonio handed over the Philippines’ Instrument of Ratification for International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention No. 81 on labor inspection, underscoring the country’s commitment to improved labor law enforcement and safer workplaces.
DOLE also hosted a regional workshop on labor market information systems (LMIS), where Torres emphasized the importance of coordinated labor data systems in workforce planning and skills development across ASEAN member states.
During the 353rd Session of the ILO Governing Body, Bitonio reiterated the Philippines’ call for stronger labor justice, fair recruitment, and equal treatment of migrant workers.