DAVAO CITY – Researchers from the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) conducted a series of data gathering activities in Davao City from 05 to 10 May 2025, as part of its ongoing study titled “Mapping the Just Transition Pathways of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Coconut, Fruits, and Processed Fruits in the Philippines through Global Economic, Social, and Governance (ESG) Regulations.”

The study aims to investigate the application of just transition for exporting MSMEs and their workers in the coconut and fruit-based subsectors, in compliance with foreign ESG regulations.

The research team, led by Senior Labor and Employment Officer Mr. Joe Mari Francisco, together with team members Athena Son, Diether Navarosa, and Aldrine Anzures, began their fieldwork activities with a courtesy visit to Atty. Connie Beb A. Torralba, Assistant Regional Director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office XI, to present the objectives of the study and coordinate fieldwork activities across the region.

As part of the research methodology, a series of interviews were conducted with select enterprises identified through the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) Gawad Saka Award. Surveys were also administered to farm workers affiliated with a cooperative supplying coconut to the enterprise, providing key insights into labor practices and supply chain dynamics.

This study is one of eight (8) ongoing research projects of the Institute for Fiscal Year 2025 and will be presented at the DOLE Research Conference in October.

###