LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU – Government leaders from ASEAN Member States (AMS) meet for the three-day High-Level Forum on Decent Work in the Platform Economy to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in ensuring fair, inclusive, and sustainable work in the digital age.

From 3 to 5 February 2026, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in the ASEAN High-Level Forum on Decent Work in the Platform Economy, as part of the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship initiatives.  

The High-Level Forum was organized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under the stewardship of Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma and represented by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr.  

The ILS delegation was led by Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo, with OIC-Deputy Executive Director III Miraluna S. Tacadao, and technical staff Ms. Franchesca Rose S. Castillo and Mr. Diether B. Navarosa. The ILS served as official documenters for the event. 

The High-Level Forum brought together senior labour officials from all AMS under the ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM), along with dialogue partners from Japan, Australia, and the European Union (EU). Representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), the ASEAN Secretariat, employers’ and workers’ organizations, online platform companies, and other stakeholders are also present.  

The High-Level Forum is intended to facilitate regional dialogue and knowledge sharing on national experiences, good practices, and regional initiatives to promote decent work in the platform economy across AMS and maximize the opportunities brought by the platform economy. 

During the Chairperson’s Perspectives, DOLE Undersecretary Bitonio, Jr. noted both the promise and the complexity of platform-mediated work.  

He emphasized that the region must adopt rights-based and context-specific policy measures, strengthen genuine tripartism and meaningful social dialogue, and sustain regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing to ensure that technological advancement translates into decent work outcomes. 

In her closing remarks, DOLE Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres expressed appreciation to AMS, social partners, and stakeholders for their constructive and forward-looking discussions.  

As lead convenor, the Philippine government called on fellow AMS and development partners to work collectively on national and regional initiatives that promote fairness, social protection, and inclusive growth in the digital labor market.

The High-Level Forum concluded with renewed commitment for a dialogue and collaboration in the region for decent work in the platform economy.  

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