Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in a coordination meeting with the ASEAN Secretariat on February 15, 2023, at the DOLE Central Office in Intramuros, Manila.

Led by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary for Labor Relations, Policy and International Affairs Cluster and current ASEAN Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) Chair Benedicto R. Bitonio Jr., discussed during the meeting was the implementation status of various Philippine-government led labor and employment projects enhancing competitiveness and promoting a safe and decent work in the ASEAN Region.

The hybrid meeting was attended by ILS Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo, ASEAN Assistant Director and Labour and Civil Service Division Head Mega Irena (online), International Labor Affairs Task Force Head Atty. Abigail R. Dela Rosa, DOLE-Bureau of Working Conditions Director Atty. Alvin B. Curada, Department of Migrant Workers representatives Charmaine Dela Cruz, Andrea Luisa Anolin, and other DOLE staff.

Executive Director Damo presented the Summary of Status Planned Projects of the Philippines under the Senior Labour Officials Meeting (SLOM) and its Subsidiary Bodies.

In 2022, the Philippines hosted and chaired the 27th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM) and Related Meetings with the theme “Together as One: Reshaping the World of Work in the ASEAN Community Through Digitalized, Inclusive, and Sustainable Recovery and Growth” from October 25 to 29.

This year, the country will hand over the chairmanship of ALMM to Singapore.