Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies recently conducted its first Corporate Planning Exercise last March 11 with several members attending the in-person event at Taal Vista in Tagaytay City, Cavite while the rest of the ILS staff joined 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.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Planning Service Director Adeline T. De Castro delivered the highlights of the 2022 DOLE-wide Planning Exercise, which gave further context to DOLE objectives, targets and service delivery strategy, focusing on the transition plan for 2022.

With the theme, “A Responsive ILS Through Innovative, Resilient, Transformative and Evidenced-Based Policy Researches and Technical Services,” Executive Director Satumba delivered the opening message for the activity. She highlighted 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 post pandemic recovery, together with the enhancement other policies in support of strengthening labor and projects that are currently being implemented.

Assistant Secretary Alex V. Avila discussed specific directives and inputs from the DOLE.

Deputy Executive Director Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio began the formal round of proceedings with the reporting of the 2021 ILS accomplishments, which was followed by the division’s 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.

Executive Director Satumba commented on the division presentations, ensuring that all outputs mirror the Department’s thrust on resilience and recovery in labor and employment governance.

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 2022 General Appropriations Act.