QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) Executive Director III Jeanette T. Damo joined tripartite stakeholders during the National Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) where the body endorsed the ratification of ILO Convention No. 155 (Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981) on 14 May 2025, at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupational Safety and Health Center, Diliman, Quezon City.

Key to the endorsement were the two studies conducted by the Institute and the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC). ILS’ gap analysis of key OSH conventions highlighted the need to align the national government policies towards the efficient implementation of standards across different industries, development of the competencies of OSH specialists, and the development of a National Action Plan for the ratification of Convention 155.

On the other hand, OSHC’s 2023 gap analysis highlighted the readiness of the Philippines to ratify the said convention when the gaps on inclusivity of the public sector in OSH compliance, established data sharing, and monitoring mechanisms are addressed.

ILO Convention No. 155 aims to establish a comprehensive national policy for occupational safety and health. The key policy areas include ensuring a safe design and use of equipment, workplaces and substances, institutionalizing OSH training and education, human factors such as matching work to workers’ capabilities, fostering continued communication and cooperation among stakeholders and safeguarding workers in raising OSH concerns.

The Philippines has already enacted policies and measures on OSH standards since 1978 with Republic Act No. 11058 as the latest law enacted in 2018. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) further updated its OSH guidelines with the issuance of DOLE Department Order No. 252, series of 2025.

DOLE Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. emphasized that regardless of whether the country ratifies the convention or not, there should be implementing laws that are sufficient to ensure compliance with OSH standards. He also emphasized that there should be no exclusion to the obligation to provide OSH in the workplace.

As part of the ratification process, the tripartite endorsement will be forwarded to the Senate for its concurrence before submission to the Office of the President. This endorsement is another significant milestone in the process of continuously aligning the country’s national OSH framework with international standards to advance safer and healthier workplaces for all Filipino workers.

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