Manila - The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) successfully relaunched its advocacy series “Trabahong Trending” with the theme “Youth is the Future of Work" on July 17, 2024, at the Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resources Center (NALLRC) Building of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Manila. Graduating students from the Communication Research program and faculty members from the PUP College of Communication attended the event.

In line with the Institute’s aim of strengthening its advocacies through the promotion of its research, “Trabahong Trending” aims to empower young Filipinos entering the labor market by providing them with valuable insights into current trends, issues, challenges, and opportunities in the employment landscape.

ILS Deputy Executive Director III Atty. Mary Grace L. Riguer-Teodosio delivered the opening message on behalf of Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo, highlighting the importance of collaboration between government institutions and academic establishments in equipping the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the workforce.

“Today’s youth face significant challenges that hinder their ability to contribute to and benefit from sustainable development,” Atty. Riguer-Teodosio emphasized. “These challenges include barriers to education, health concerns like mental health issues, job readiness, and securing employment.” 

Adopting the “TEDx” type of forum, #TrabahongTrending featured informative talks and presentations from the ILS in collaboration with partner agencies such as the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE), the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), and the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC).

Resource speakers tackled various topics relevant to young job seekers, including:

Labor Market Information: Nelly-Ann C. Projo, Labor and Employment Officer III, BLE; Basic Labor Rights and Obligations: Atty. Ramon A. Saura III, Mediator-Arbiter, BLR; Work Ethics of a Productive Worker and Blending into the Company Culture: Reena May Ibanez, Labor and Employment Officer II, NWPC; Generation Z in the Philippine Labor Force: Profile, Perspectives, and Prospects: Athena Mari E. Son, Senior Labor and Employment Officer, ILS; and On-the-Job Training Experiences: Dr. Hemmady S. Mora, Internship Adviser, PUP College of Communication.

In her closing remarks, Engr. Florinda H. Oquindo, MIT, Director of the PUP Alumni Relations and Career Development Office, expressed her appreciation to DOLE and ILS for partnering with PUP to prepare their students for the future of work. “We are hopeful that this is just the beginning of many collaborations between PUP and ILS,” Director Oquindo said.

Trabahong Trending: Youth is the Future of Work seeks to establish long-term partnerships with educational institutions through knowledge-building initiatives. Schools and universities interested in collaborating with the ILS may contact the Institute’s Advocacy and Publications Division at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

###