Manila – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participates in the Green Jobs and Just Transition Technical Workshop for Government last August 25-26 at the Waterfront Pavilion Hotel, United Nations Avenue corner Ma. Orosa Street, Manila City.

The two-day event sponsored by the International Labor Organization (ILO), featured four sessions aimed at providing a better appreciation of the global, regional and national policy developments relating to green economy, climate change action and sustainable development vis-à-vis the world of work and promotion of decent work. The workshop likewise aimed to deliver an improved understanding of approaches and good practices relating to green jobs and environmentally sustainable economies.

In his message, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Acting Secretary Joel B. Maglunsod reiterated Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

“The ILO’s ‘Policy Guidelines on Just Transition Towards Sustainable Development’ provides us with practical policy prescription on how to strike a balance between competing priorities whenever countries transition to green economies. It shows us how to maximize the benefits of a green economy in terms of the country’s growth and employment, and yet ensure that worker’s fundamental rights and welfare are amply protected during transition.”

As part of the core-member of DOLE Green Jobs Technical Working Group, the Bureau of Local Employment spearheaded the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 (RA 10771), in coordination with other concerned government agencies. A working draft of the Green Jobs IRR was presented by the BLE and was subjected to a workshop for inputs and comments.

The Rule IV of the draft IRR focuses on Curriculum and Training Development which mandates the formulation of the necessary training regulations for the implementation of skills training, program registration, assessment and certification in support of the requirements for skilled manpower.

Also, Rule V of the draft IRR provides for the creation of a National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan on the development, enhancement and utilization of the labor force, both in the private and public sectors. The said HRD plan highlights the primary objective of enabling and sustaining the transition into a green economy and the generation of green jobs towards more employment and equal opportunities and the promotion of social justice and workers’ welfare.

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. For more information on this story, please contact the Advocacy and Publications Division at 527-3490.