Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies recently conducted its Year-End Planning Assessment last December 19 at The Bayleaf Hotel in Intramuros, Manila. This was presided by ILS Executive Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba, together with all 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).

Assistant Secretary Benjo Santos M. Benavidez delivered the opening message for the activity highlighting the importance of commitment as a key value in working for the Institute and the Department. Acting Deputy Executive Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan, Jr., began the formal round of proceedings with the 2019 reporting of all ILS accomplishments, which was followed by a group discussion of all the challenges encountered for the year, as well as the recommended action points.

The said year-end activity was conducted using World Café format where the ILS employees, grouped accordingly, went through several tables to discuss thematic concerns confronting the Institute as an organization covering operations, project implementation, and organizational culture and environment. The ILS employees were asked to discuss challenges as well as recommendations as ways forward..

This activity is in line with achieving the government’s Strategic Objectives under the 2020 General Appropriations Act. With the conduct of this session, ILS aims to achieve its organizational outcome which is to foster greater utilization of the labor and employment researches that the Institute produces for policy development and program implementation. The day’s proceedings was capped by the Institute’s Annual Christmas party celebration.