Labor research arm Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) has partnered with UN Women Philippines for its 4^th Strategic Conversations series under the theme “Promoting Inclusive Growth for All through Gender Equality, Migrant Rights and Decent Work,” held on February 14-15, 2012 at the Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila.

The research conference brought together the business community, national labor centers, federations and community-based organizations that promote decent work, international development partners, the academe, DOLE bureaus, attached agencies and regional offices nationwide and other government agencies who were invited to contribute to strategic conversations on key researches on labor and employment.

Giving the Message of Support during the Conference was Ms. Deepa Bharati, Program Manager for Gender and Migration of UN Women In Asia, based in Bangkok, Thailand.  Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, delivered the keynote address.

“This is a unique opportunity for DOLE policy analysts and programs leaders and its development partners to contribute in the strategic conversations on decent work, particularly on its implications on gender and migrant workers’ rights,” said Executive Director Cynthia Cruz of the Institute for Labor Studies.

UN Women is an international organization, committed to promoting women’s rights and achieving gender equality. It advocates for the fundamental right of women to live lives free from discrimination and violence, and for gender equality in achieving development and building just societies. UN Women Philippines is lead by its National Coordinator, Ms. Aida Jean Manipon.

“We are happy to be part of this years ILS research conference, particularly with this focus on gender and migration. We hope that through this collaborative conference, we can integrate the gender dimension in policy research and advocacy,” said Manipon.

“Consistent with the Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016, we are constantly searching for the policy options that will enable inclusive growth through gender equality, decent and productive work. Our researches show that this can be done in the areas of employment, workers’ rights, social protection and social dialogue,” said Cruz.

Sessions of the Strategic Conversations were on four thematic areas on Expanding Partnerships and Improving Systems for Social Dialogue; Improving Social Protection; improving Employment Outcomes thru Adaptation Initiatives and Increasing Mobility; and, Promoting Workers’ Rights.

The ILS was created in July 1987 by virtue of Executive Order No. 257. Since its creation the Institute has always been at the forefront of labor and employment policy research and advocacy providing strategic policy research for the Department of Labor and Employment.

Press Release
Linartes M. Viloria
Institute for Labor Studies, Department of Labor and Employment
Contact Nos.: (02) 5273490/5273452 / Fax: (02) 5273491