MANILA – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) successfully conducted the second leg of the 12th DOLE Research Conference through a webinar series held from 13 to 14 December 2023 via Zoom platform and Facebook Live.
Still with the theme “Gearing up for Inclusive, Innovative, and Sustainable Future of Work”, the webinar series underscores innovation and transformative trends in the labor sector brought about by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
In her welcome remarks, OIC Executive Director III Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio extended her sincere appreciation to the DOLE family, tripartite partners, and distinguished scholars, and participants for their unwavering support to the event for the past twelve years. “Since 2012, the research conference underscores the significance of fostering policymaking that is grounded on data and analysis and seeks to advance discourse and discussion on addressing gaps in policies and moving forward with solutions based on findings.”, OIC Executive Director Atty. Riguer-Teodosio added.
During the first day of the conference, the following research papers were presented: (1) Evolving Governance Framework for Workers in the Gig Economy”, presented by Ms. Miraluna S. Tacadao and Ms. Mary Rosarie B. Sto. Tomas; and (2) An Overview of Employment Generation in Select Ecozones in the Philippines” presented by Mr. Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan.
The second day of the conference had the following research presentations: (1) Toward a Human-Centered Agriculture Modernization: Cases from the Philippines presented by Ms. Arianne Ishreen C. Bucar, and (2) Exploring Innovative Approaches to Address Labor Exploitation in the Fishery Supply Chain: The Case of the Tuna Industry in the Philippines presented by Ms. Michelle Ann A. Ruiz.
Experts and scholars from tripartite partners participated in panel discussions, providing valuable insights, comments, and recommendations. Representatives the Bureau of Working Conditions, DOLE Regional Office No. XII, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Development Academy of the Philippines, Federation of Free Workers, National Fisheries Research and Development Institute – Department of Agriculture, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), and Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Mangagawa (SENTRO) served as panel reactors and enriched the discourse with their expertise.
During her closing remarks, OIC Deputy Executive Director Camilo Franco S. Cabusas emphasized the need for collective efforts and collaboration in driving positive change in the labor sector. “It is only through our collective efforts can we foster an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future of work for Filipinos”, OIC Deputy Executive Director Cabusas highlighted.
The highlights and recorded videos of the 12th DOLE Research Conference are accessible through the ILS Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ilsdoleofficial.