The Institute for Labor and Studies (ILS) conducted its area-wide consultations on the gap analysis of ILO Convention No. 129 or the convention concerning labor inspection in Agriculture, and No. 81 or the convention concerning labor inspection in industry and commerce) held on July 25, 27 and 29 respectively in Metro Davao, Metro Cebu, and Metro Manila.

Attendees were stakeholders from the industry and agricultural sectors, including employers and workers' representatives from the regions, and major employers and workers' organizations, along with Labor Laws Compliance Officers (LLCOs) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

ILS OIC-Deputy Executive Director Brenalyn A. Peji and Ms. Joyce Anne S. Lumactud both presented their respective 2016 researches on the said ILO conventions, assessing and ascertaining the readiness of the Philippines to ratify both conventions.

Convention 81 sets out the basic international standards, while Convention 129 acts as a supplemental instrument taking into account the special characteristics of the agriculture sector. Despite the strong call by the ILO for its Member Countries to ratify ILO Convention 129, the distinct characteristics of the sector poses a great challenge for the member countries to comply with the Convention.

Among the research objectives of the said ILS papers was to determine the extent to which national laws and regulations and other measures complement the requirements of the said conventions.  The consultation also updated the attendees on the current labor inspection system of the Philippines in terms of compliance with general labor standards and occupational safety health standards;

Both ILS papers recommended interventions at different levels, including policy, program and institutional components of the current inspection system.