Quezon City - The Institute for Labor Studies earns anew an unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit as it celebrates its 37th founding anniversary on 25 July, and reiterates its commitment to generate evidence-based policy researches.

12th Consecutive ‘Unqualified Opinion’ from COA

Earlier this May, ILS announced that it has again earned an ‘unqualified opinion’ from the Commission on Audit (COA) for its 2023 Financial Audit Report. This marks the 12th consecutive year that the institute has received this recognition, highlighting its commitment to financial transparency and accountability. In a communication dated May 8, 2024, Officer-in-Charge Director IV Marivel C. Bronola of the COA's National Government Audit Sector informed the ILS that "the audit provides a reasonable basis for rendering an unmodified opinion on the fairness of the presentation of the financial statements."

Perfect Score in Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS)

ILS earned a hundred percent score in the Performance-Based Incentive System (PBIS) anew for the grant of Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) for the fiscal year 2022, replicating its accomplishment score in 2021. The PBB is among the two incentives given under the PBIS introduced per Executive Order No. 80 in July 2012.

For the fiscal year 2022, the Institute successfully complied with its major accountability areas. ILS garnered a perfect score in the delivery of its obligations and performance processes, as assessed by the Department of Budget and Management during its semi-annual monitoring and review of the agency’s performance.

100% Transparency Seal Compliance

ILS also remains among the attached agencies of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which received a 100% Transparency Seal compliance status in the 1Q 2024. As part of the ongoing enhancement and enforcement of accountability and delivery of quality services, all government agencies are required to comply with Transparency Seal per DOLE AO 357 Series of 2023 and GAA Fund Compliance 2024.

ISO 9001:2015 Recertification

In another milestone, ILS successfully completed the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System recertification audit conducted by SOCOTEC Certification Philippines, Inc. on July 15, 2024. The audit team recognized ILS's “acceptable implementation of the certification requirements" and the absence of major non-conformity findings.”

The Institute is now awaiting the formal recertification report from SOCOTEC and will conduct its 2nd Internal Audit in the 4th quarter to evaluate its progress based on the external audit results.

ILS also marks its 37th founding anniversary on July 25 with a new office located at Mega One Building, España Boulevard corner Mayon Street, Quezon City.

37 years of Bridging Research, Policy and Practice

Since its establishment on July 25, 1987, through Executive Order No. 251, ILS has played an instrumental role in supporting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by providing innovative and comprehensive research to support its policy recommendations. Headed by an Executive Director and assisted by a Deputy Executive Director, ILS has been instrumental in the promotion of labor market efficiency, industrial peace, and social justice in the last 37 years.

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