BOHOL – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in the Sharing of Perspectives to Advance Regional Knowledge on the Energy Transition in Southeast Asia (SPARK) Regional Dialogue on Coal Phase‑Down Financing, organized by the Energy Transition Partnership (ETP) in collaboration with the Department of Energy of the Republic of the Philippines, on 19–20 January 2026 at the Henann Tawala Resort in Bohol.

The SPARK dialogue convened senior‑level policymakers from Indonesia, Viet Nam, and the Philippines, together with representatives from the finance sector, electric utilities, and development partners, to assess the current landscape and accelerate effective coal transition strategies in Southeast Asia. ILS was represented by Mr. Bernard Paul Mangulabnan, Officer‑in‑Charge of the Employment Research Division.

The two‑day regional dialogue explored the complex policy, financial, and institutional dimensions of coal phase‑down financing and examined how transition pathways can be effectively implemented across the region.

Day 1 featured a high‑level dialogue on coal phase‑down in Southeast Asia, integrating global lessons, country experiences, and policy discussions to identify key drivers, opportunities, and challenges in mobilizing financing for the early retirement of coal assets. Day 2 focused on the practical aspects of implementation, including mechanisms for early retirement, stakeholder coordination, and the development of actionable national transition roadmaps and next steps.

In support of the country’s energy transition agenda, ILS is set to undertake a study in 2026 on just transition for coal‑dependent regions in the Philippines, aligned with the Goal 5 of the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development (NGJ HRD) Plan 2020–2030: Ensuring Inclusive Social Protection and a Just Transition of the Labor Force.

The full copy of the NGJ HRD Plan is available for download on the ILS website: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/2024-research-papers/national-green-jobs-human-resource-development-plan-2020-2030-pathways-for-building-a-sustainable-workforce.

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