SIEM REAP – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its policy research arm, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), participated in the 21st ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and 23rd SLOM +3 held on 21–22 October 2025 in Siem Reap, Cambodia. The meeting gathered senior labor officials from ASEAN Member States to strengthen regional cooperation toward an inclusive and future-ready ASEAN workforce.

The Philippine delegation was led by Undersecretary for Labor Policy and International Affairs Cluster Atty. Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison and Legal Affairs Atty. Felipe N. Egargo, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Employment and Human Resource Development Joel Gonzales, ILS Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo, and OIC Director Mary Sol Dela Cruz of the Department of Migrant Workers.

Senior labor officials from all ASEAN Member States, with Timor-Leste participating as an observer, reviewed the progress of the ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Work Programme (ALMWP) 2021–2025, covering initiatives on workforce competitiveness and resilience, green jobs promotion, protection of migrant workers, digital and future-ready skills, occupational safety and health (OSH), and the elimination of child labor. They also discussed the finalization of the new ALMWP 2026–2030 and the Work Plans of its subsidiary bodies, including the proposed Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework and endorsement timelines.

As the incoming ASEAN Chair, the Philippines shared its planned priorities for 2026, emphasizing skills development, reintegration support for migrant workers, the strengthening of tripartite partnerships, and adoption of ASEAN Declarations on Labor Market and Social Resilience and on Fair and Ethical Recruitment. The meeting also welcomed the Philippines’ leadership in developing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a regional pool of funds to support the human resource development agenda in the region.

Following the 21st SLOM, the 23rd ASEAN Plus Three Senior Labour Officials Meeting (23rd SLOM+3) was convened with the participation of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea, reaffirming continued collaboration on creation of decent and green job, labor market information system, skills development, social protection, occupational safety and health and labor market resilience.

The meetings concluded with appreciation to Thailand, the incoming SLOM Chair, for its readiness to host the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM), the 22nd SLOM, 24th SLOM+3, and related meetings in 2026, and to the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training of Cambodia for the excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended to all delegates.

The Philippines will assume the ASEAN Chairship in 2026, as announced by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and will continue ASEAN’s thrust toward unity, inclusivity, and sustainability as the region navigates future challenges together.

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