Manila, Philippines — Affirming the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis N. Tolentino’s commitment to place workers welfare and communities at the center of the Department’s work following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) underscored the need to consider this social dimension of trade and sustainable development during the recently concluded Second High-Level Roundtable on Trade, Climate and Sustainable Development: Towards a Trade-Related Climate Strategy for a Climate-Resilient Philippines, at UP College of Law from 09-10 July 2026.

The second roundtable discussion explored how sustainable trade policy of exporting foreign countries can be an opportunity to accelerate the Philippines’ climate transition.  This includes linking sustainable development objectives, and economic transformation amid accelerating climate challenges.

ILS Senior Labor and Employment Officer Joe Mari S. Francisco shared that the Institute’s research undertaking on just transition, MSMEs, and trade provided insights on ensuring climate measures are inclusive and respectful of workers’ rights. He shared that DOLE recently updated the National Green Jobs Human Resources Development Plan to provide the latest blueprint for greening workforce development, while identifying social protection measures to protect those displaced by the ongoing climate transition. Moreover, Mr. Francisco mentioned that the ILS’ study on the just transition of MSMEs in the food-based coconut sector has mapped out existing global sustainable certifications that provides both opportunities and challenges for exporting MSMEs in the food-based coconut sector.

During the roundtable on the agriculture sector, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Asis G. Perez commended DOLE for active support to advance climate-resilient agriculture and worker-centered development initiatives. He cited the ongoing work between the two agencies in developing the proposed Integrated Services for Livelihood Advancement and Sustainable Employment of Farmers and Fisherfolks (ISLASEFF) Project. This project seeks to support labor-intensive climate adaptation activities, including irrigation canal declogging, desilting, and other agricultural public works that enhance climate resilience among farming and fishing communities. The project is expected to provide short-term income support to vulnerable farmers, while contributing to longer-term productivity, sustainable livelihoods, and adaptation to climate-related hazards such as El Niño.

The discussion comes at a critical time as the Philippines advances efforts to position itself within the global green economy. Under Secretary Tolentino's leadership, DOLE has continued to promote worker preparedness for technological and environmental transitions through green skills development, workforce upskilling, and support for initiatives that advance jobs and social protection for just transitions.

The high-level roundtable discussion is co-organized by the University of the Philippines College of Law, Forum on Trade and SDGs, and the Philippine Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization.

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