Manila, Philippines – “For this occasion, you have succinctly suggested the need for ‘masusi, makbago, at makabuluhang pananaliksik.’ This is at the very least, an appropriate theme on account of the enormous tasks that the Department must undertake. I expect no less than the best from the men and women of the ILS to accomplish our agenda, especially in the field of policy research and advocacy.”

This was the message of Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III during the celebration of the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) 30^th year Anniversary last July 25 at the iLearn Conference Room, Intramuros, Manila.

Dubbed as “ILS@30,” the celebration is themed “Masusi, Makabago, at Makabuluhang Pananaliksik Tungo sa Matatag, Maginhawa ta Panatag na Buhay ng mga Manggagawang Pilipino.”

“We would like to highlight ‘Ambisyon 2040’ in relation to our research. We look forward to aligning our research agenda with the goals and aspirations set under ‘Ambisyon 2040’, our long term-blueprint. It is the people that belong to this family that put ILS in a unique and invaluable position to excel and give quality service. And as we celebrate our 30^th year in public service, we celebrate the true heroes of ILS: its employees, as well as the utility staff and the guards,” said ILS OIC- Executive Director Mary Grace L. Riguer.

Also in attendance were Undersecretaries Claro A. Arellano and Dominador R. Say, Assistant Secretary Alex V. Avila, Bureau of Local Employment Director Dominique R. Tutay, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Ahmma Charisma L. Satumba, POEA Labor Market Research and Standards Development Director Levinson Alcantara, and guests from partner stakeholders such as Mr. Ricardo Casco from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Mr. Julius Cainglet from the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), and Mr. Robert Boothe from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The event also featured a presentation on “Ambisyon Nation 2040,” by National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) National Policy and Planning Staff (NPPS) Director Reynaldo Cancio. Former ILS employees and officials were also in attendance and gave messages of support during the program.

The Institute’s 30^th Anniversary celebration also became the platform for the launch of year-long projects organized by the ILS technical divisions such as the “Luna Lecture Series,” and the “Design Thinking Olympics.” The event culminated with the showing of the “ILS@30” Anniversary AVP, which showcased the Institute’s three-decade history and ground breaking contributions in the field of research and evidence-based policy making since its inception on July 25, 1987.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information about ILS products and services, please visit: http://ils.dole.gov.ph or call Advocacy and Publications Division at tel.no. 527-3490.