PASAY CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) authors Arianne Ishreen C. Bucar and Joe Mari S. Francisco presented the findings of the 2024 Working Paper research on the Just Transition Pathways in the Philippine Blue Economy: Exploring Sustainable Coastal Accommodations and Tourism Initiatives at the two-day Philippine Blue Economy Forum held from March 18 to 19, 2025, at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

The ILS representative participated in the Forum’s Coastal and Marine Tourism breakout group where they presented the findings and recommendations of the said research. They emphasized the need to include employment among the key indicators of coastal tourism development. Furthermore, they raised the concept of just transition focusing on social protection and continuous skilling of coastal tourism workforce as the sector moves toward sustainable economy.

The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement and the Fidel V. Ramos Legacy Foundation organized the Philippine Blue Economy Forum. The organizers aimed to gather experts and grassroot representatives’ insights on transitioning blue economy’s sub-sectors covering coastal and marine tourism, agriculture, energy, and transportation, to sustainable future.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin received the Blue Economy Forum’s output. The Forum’s output is expected to inform the ongoing Blue Economy legislation and roadmap formulation.

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