The Institute for Labor Studies was hailed as one of the top five winners of the 2013 Green our DOLE Program (GODP) Award during a ceremony on December 8, 2013. The award was handed down by Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz and Executive Director Teresita Cucueco of the Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC).

“It is an honor for the Institute to be recognized as one of the model, environment-friendly agencies pursuing the best green practices. This recognition recognizes not only the Institute’s compliance with the GODP standards, but also our commitment to be active agents of green changes in the workplace”, said Executive Director Cruz.

Launched in 2011, the GODP aims to transform DOLE workplaces into cleaner, safer and eco-friendly work environment. This novel program seeks to empower the DOLE and its services, bureaus and attached agencies to upholding green and eco-friendly practices that translate to the efficient use of resources, waste reduction and waste management. This year’s awarding ceremony coincided with the DOLE’s 80th Founding Anniversary celebration.

The best GODP implementers were selected based on their exemplary green initiatives and practices and on the scores in the Eco-Self Assessment Report. The criteria for the award include occupational safety, workplace improvement, occupational health services and programs (40%); savings generated from efficient electrical, water and fuel consumption (10%); implementation and effectiveness of the office GODP action plan (45%); and the national greening program (5%).

ILS was particularly recognized for its green innovations including its Eco-Safe measures that included provision of a disaster kit to all employees, Eco-Life program that promotes healthy lifestyles in the workplace, and tree planting activities in Quezon and Zambales.

“We want to provide our employees with a workplace that is green, healthful and safe. We believe that efficiency and productivity are the necessary consequences of upholding green practices, of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, and of ensuring a happy and safe workforce”, said Director Cruz.

Other offices that made it to the top five were Human Resource Development Service (HRDS), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office.

The Institute for Labor Studies is the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment. It has conducted researches on green procurement, green readiness of industries and employment in the plastic bag industry. These researches are downloadable at www.ils.dole.gov.ph

(For more information on this press release, please contact Ms. Brenalyn Peji, Officer-In-Charge, Advocacy and Publications Division, Institute for Labor Studies, Telephone Nos.: 527-3490/5273447).