08 July 2025, Marco Polo Hotel Ortigas Manila - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) formally launched the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan 2020–2030 on July 8, 2025, at the Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. The Plan, which is mandated by Republic Act No. 10771 or the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, outlines a strategic vision for preparing the Filipino workforce for the green economy and ensuring a just transition toward sustainable development.
The launching was actively participated by tripartite representatives from government, labor, and employer sectors, as well as from civil society, academe, local government representatives, and development organizations. DOLE Undersecretary for Employment and Human Resource Development and Chairperson of DOLE Technical Working Group on Green Jobs Carmela I. Torres delivered the keynote presentation highlighting the Plan’s goals, priority strategies, and implementation initiatives.
“The National Green Jobs HRD Plan is not just about adapting to change—it is about placing Filipino workers at the forefront of opportunity and innovation,” Undersecretary Torres emphasized. “This is a call to action for all of us to take part in a people-centered, inclusive, and just transition.”
The Plan is built around a Five-Point Strategic Action Framework: First, developing a green jobs-ready and skilled labor force. Second, establishing an adequate and accessible green jobs labor market. Third, implementing shared green jobs and just transition governance. Fourth, building a capacitated green jobs and just transition stakeholder base. And finally, ensuring inclusive social protection and just transition of the labor force.
Undersecretary Torres shared that the Plan was developed through a multi-stakeholder process that began in 2018. She noted that the initiatives to create quality jobs under the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan as well as the country’s role as a Pathfinder under the United Nations Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection reinforce the urgency of creating and sustaining local green job opportunities.
“Picture a Philippines where every job supports thriving communities and a healthier planet,” Undersecretary Torres said in her closing. “With this Plan, we are not just planning for green jobs. We are building a sustainable legacy for generations to come.”
In a keynote message delivered on behalf of Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, OIC-Secretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr. emphasized that the National Green Jobs HRD Plan should not be seen in isolation, but rather as an integral part of a larger, coordinated effort to enhance labor market adaptation and resilience and provide protection to workers and employers impacted by environment and climate-related events. He underscored that the Plan aligns with the country’s key development and policy frameworks articulated in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), the Philippine Labor and Employment Plan (PLEP) 2023–2028, the TPB Plan, and the Philippines' international commitments under the Paris Agreement.
“Viewed in this context, we would like to see this updated Green Jobs HRD Plan as our own contribution in restoring confidence that our collective aspiration for present and future generations to live, work, and prosper together in a safe and healthy natural environment is still attainable and realizable,” OIC-Secretary Bitonio stated.
Messages of commitment and partnership were delivered by key stakeholders, including Mr. Khalid Hassan, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the Philippines; Honorable Raymond Democrito Mendoza, Representative of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP); Atty. Jose Sonny G. Matula, President of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW); Ms. Clarine P. Tobias, Governor and Vice Chairperson of Skills Development and Education Committee of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP); and Mr. Gio Ortiz Luis, National President of the Philippine Young Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA).
As the Philippines transitions to a low-carbon economy, DOLE calls on all sectors to help translate the Plan’s vision that by 2030, Filipinos should have to opportunity to access quality green jobs and leave no one behind.
OIC-Secretary Bitonio emphasized that the greatest narratives in the history of human development often revolve around the war of humans against nature, where man ends up being beaten and humbled. “Advocacy on environmental sustainability tells us that man need not be at war with nature. Our task is to respect and preserve it. Taking more concrete actions through this Plan will be our own contribution toward this goal, and in the process bring us nearer to a world of work where we can all prosper together,” OIC-Secretary Bitonio concluded.
For more information regarding the event, contact the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) of DOLE at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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