The Institute for Labor Studies joined the International Labour Organization in the forum "Forging a Path Forward: Implementing ILO C190 in the Philippines" on September 13, 2024, at the Commission on Human Rights in Quezon City.

The event served as a platform to discuss the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders from the government, workers and employers in addressing violence and harassment in the workplace. In February 2024, the Philippines, through the Department of Labor and Employment, represented by Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio Jr., deposited the instrument of ratification of ILO Convention 190 at the ILO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The dialogue discussed steps to ensure the proper implementation of the convention in the country.

In the opening remarks, ILO highlighted how the ratification of C190 translates into tangible improvements among Filipino workers. Franchesca Rose S. Castillo, Senior Labor and Employment Officer of the Workers Welfare Research Division represented ILS and was among the discussants during the forum. She presented the previous study on the gap analysis of ILO C190, and the insights from the ILS' C190 Forum held in March. The DOLE – Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns also provided the existing mechanisms and programs afforded to support the ratification of the convention. The Women Workers United discussed the current state of violence and harassment in workplaces. The event concluded with the closing remarks from the representative of the Office of House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez who urged the collective participation of the sectors involved in addressing cases of harassment and workplace violence.

The event was attended by advocates of ILO C190, and co-organized by the International Labour Organization, Women Workers United, Federation of Free Workers, and Gabriela Women's Party.

###