The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in the “Green Jobs Forum: Transitioning to a Green and Blue Economy – Learning from North Sulawesi,” held at the Grand Luley Hotel & Resort in Tongkaina, Bunaken, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, from September 26 to 29, 2023. Mr. Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan, Acting Chief Labor and Employment Officer of the Employment Research Division represented the Institute.

Hosted by the International Labour Organization, the event was designed to explore and promote biodiversity conservation, the creation of green jobs, and accelerate just transition within the context of Southeast Asia's growing green and blue economies. It also showcased North Sulawesi's best practices in transitioning to a green and blue economy and provided valuable insights for other ASEAN member states.

The Green Jobs Forum was attended by a diverse range of participants, including government representatives from ASEAN member states, international organizations, academic institutions and researchers, private sector companies involved in blue industries, environmental and sustainability advocates, and civil society organizations. The forum also provided a platform for the participants to enhance their understanding of green jobs, sustainable practices, and their decent work impacts in Southeast Asia.

ILS provided policy recommendations for the creation of Republic Act No. 10771 or The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016, the first piece of legislation in the country specifically designed to generate, sustain, and incentivize “green jobs.”