Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies recently conducted its Year-End Planning Assessment last February 9 via the Zoom online platform. This was presided by ILS Executive Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba, together with Deputy Executive Director Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio and Acting Deputy Executive Director Patrick Patriwirawan, Jr.

DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Santos Benavides gave the inspirational message for the proceedings. Planning Service Director Adeline T. De Castro delivered the DOLE National Employment Recovery Strategy along with the Highlights of the DOLE 2020 YEPA and 2021 Planning Exercise, which gave further context to DOLE-wide objectives, targets and service delivery strategy for 2021.

Executive Director Satumba delivered the opening message for the activity highlighting the importance of commitment as a key value in working for the Institute and the Department. She likewise focused on research commitments that would enhance labor policies focused on the ‘Future of Decent Work’ and other policies in support of strengthening labor and projects which aim to provide recovery measures post-COVID-19.

Levinson C. Alcantara, Director IV - POEA Pre-Employment Office (PSO) delivered a presentation on the OFW Deployment Trends, which is central to ILS migration-centered researches.

Acting Deputy Executive Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., began the formal round of proceedings with the reporting of the 2020 ILS accomplishments, which was followed by the division work and financial plan, as well as the research proposals and other action points. Presenting their division targets for 2021 were the Division Chiefs of the Institute, namely Camilo Franco S. Cabusas of the Finance and Administration Department (FAD), Miraluna S. Tacadao of the Labor and Social Relations Research Division (LSRRD), Paulina Kim C. Pacete of the (Employee Research Division), Maria Isabel D. Artajo of the Workers Welfare Research Division (WWRD), and Reinerio A. Alba of the Advocacy and Publications Division (APD). The ILS employees were also asked to discuss challenges as well as recommendations as ways forward.

DOLE Assistant Secretary Alex V. Avila commented on the division presentations, especially on its researches, reiterating its value in terms of irrigation principles or bringing “water to the plants,” or by analogy, enriching the research-based policies of the Department in a timely manner.

The annual planning exercise is intended for the Institute to further define its research priority agenda and numerical targets for the year to produce more quality and responsive research outputs. This activity is also in line with achieving the government’s Strategic Objectives under the 2021 General Appropriations Act.