QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) has officially released its 2025 ILS Working Papers, now accessible through the Institute’s official website.

Capping its annual research cycle, ILS published online eight (8) working papers that examine critical and emerging labor and employment issues. The 2025 working papers are as follows:  

(1) Determining the Economic Needs Test Criteria : Risk, Impact, and Options,
(2) Technology and Skills Transfer through the Understudy Training Program: Good Practices and Lessons Learned,
(3) The Role of Job Placement Offices (JPOs) in Public Employment Services:  A Five-Clustered Diagnostic,
(4) Gender And Development in Labor Organizations: Strategies and Prospects,
(5) Workers’ Perspectives on Company Practices in Labor Standards Compliance and Labor Management Relations,
(6) Examining Good Practices in Facilitating Women’s Economic Participation in the Case of Select Child Care Facilities in the Philippines,
(7) From Farm to Global Market: ESG-Driven Just Transition Cases in MSMEs and Their Partners in the Philippine Coconut Food-Based Exports,
(8) Exploring Social Dialogue Mechanisms in Upholding Decent Working Conditions of Freelance and Contract Workers in Broadcast Media and Theatre Industries.

To further strengthen their credibility, the working papers were registered with the National Library of the Philippines and issued International Standard Book Numbers (ISBNs).

Prior to their online release, the papers underwent a rigorous process of peer review, validation, and stakeholder consultations. These studies were also presented during the 14th DOLE Research Conference, held on 15–16 October 2025 at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila, where experts and representatives from government, tripartite partners, research institutions, the academe, and industry shared insights and policy recommendations.

The 2025 Working Paper Series forms part of the Institute’s Research Agenda and is anchored on the pillars of decent work. Through these studies, ILS highlights the importance of addressing persistent labor issues to support a balanced, evidence‑based, and inclusive policy environment for Filipino workers.

The 2025 ILS Working Papers may be accessed free of charge through the Institute’s official website: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/.

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