Description:
The paper determines the employment implications of ASEAN integration in 2015 for the Philippine sugarcane industry using decent work fundamentals as framework for analysis. Decent work espouses four-fold objectives, to wit: 1) increases in employment levels in the sugarcane industry through productivity improvement programs and skills upgrading measures; 2) improvements in the working conditions of sugar workers through observance of their rights; 3) expansions in the provision of livelihood, training and income augmenting programs; and 4) advancements in social dialogue processes in the industry.

A consultation forum was held among key entities in the government, academe, labor, private sector, and research and development sector. Findings indicate that the sugarcane industry has already identified its major program areas such as biofuel production, product diversification and block farming that will strategically place the industry at the helm of increasing competition in an integrated ASEAN context. In support of this strategic direction, the DOLE should undertake skills mapping for the industry, determine their human resource needs, and identify areas for improvement in the working conditions of sugar workers.

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Title: Decent Work in an Integrated ASEAN Context: The Case of the Philippine Sugarcane Industry
Researcher: Stephanie B. Tabladillo