Institute for Labor Studies - DOLE

INSIGHTS: The tuna industry remains an important sector of the Philippine economy, supporting nearly 200,000 workers in General Santos City alone.

However, a 2023 study by the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) titled “Exploring Innovative Approaches to Address Labor Exploitation in the Fishery Supply Chain: The Case of the Tuna Industry in the Philippines” revealed many fisherfolk remain vulnerable to poor working conditions, including excessive working hours, lack of social protection, and occupational safety hazards.

Read the full story on the comment section.
https://ils.dole.gov.ph/policy-advocacies/media-resources/news/what-s-the-catch-the-hidden-cost-of-the-philippine-tuna-industry

ILS receives “Very Satisfactory” Rating in FY 2025 Annual Agency Performance Review

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), the policy research and advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), received a “Very Satisfactory” rating in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Annual Agency Performance Review (AAPR) conducted by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Full story on the comment section.

Ano nga ba ang gig economy, at paano mapoprotektahan ang mga manggagawang bahagi nito?

Sa patuloy na pagbabago ng mundo ng trabaho, dumarami ang mga manggagawang kumikita sa pamamagitan ng freelance, platform-based, at on-demand work. Kasabay nito ang mga hamon sa seguridad sa trabaho, social protection, at patas na kondisyon sa paggawa.

Magkaisa tayo sa pagtataguyod ng isang makatarungan, ligtas, at may dignidad na kinabukasan para sa ating gig workers.

Basahin: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/2023-research-papers/evolving-a-governance-framework-for-workers-in-the-gig-economy

BEYOND EASE OF DOING BUSINESS: WHY PROTECTING FILIPINO WORKERS STILL COMES FIRST

As the country observes the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Month this May 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) highlighted the importance of maintaining a balanced labor policy that welcomes foreign talent while safeguarding opportunities for Filipino workers.

A 2025 ILS study titled “Determining the Economic Needs Criteria: Risk, Impact, and Options” examined the implementation of DOLE Department Order 248 series of 2025, which introduced the Economic Needs Test as an additional requirement in the employment of foreign nationals alongside the Labor Market Test (LMT).

Read the full article: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/policy-advocacies/media-resources/news/beyond-ease-of-doing-business-why-protecting-filipino-workers-still-comes-first

ILS JOINS IN ASEAN DIALOGUE ON CLIMATE FINANCE AND JUST TRANSITION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

DILI, Timor-Leste – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through its research and advocacy arm, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS), joined regional stakeholders in advancing policy dialogues on climate finance and just transition initiatives during the “Insular Southeast Asia Dialogue on Climate Finance and Just Transition in ASEAN” held on 14–15 May 2026 at JL World Hotel in Dili, Timor-Leste.

The dialogue convened representatives from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States, government agencies, civil society organizations (CSOs), development partners, climate finance and sustainability advocates, and other stakeholders engaged in climate action and just transition initiatives across Southeast Asia.

Read the full press release: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/policy-advocacies/media-resources/news/ils-joins-in-asean-dialogue-on-climate-finance-and-just-transition-in-southeast-asia

Kinikilala ang tuna industry bilang isa sa mahahalagang export sectors ng bansa. Ngunit sa likod ng tagumpay nito ay ang mga mangingisdang patuloy na humaharap sa panganib, mahahabang oras ng paggawa, at iba pang hamon sa kanilang trabaho.

Ngayong Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda, binibigyang-diin ng ILS ang kahalagahan ng pagprotekta sa mga manggagawang nagpapanatili ng sigla ng ating fisheries sector.

Basahin ang full report:
https://ils.dole.gov.ph/2023-research-papers/exploring-innovative-approaches-to-address-labor-exploitation-in-the-fishery-supply-chain-the-case-of-the-tuna-industry-in-the-philippines

PHL LEADS ASEAN PUSH FOR STRONGER LABOR MARKET AND SOCIAL RESILIENCE

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Philippines, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), led the first regional consultation-workshop for the proposed ASEAN Declaration on Strengthening Labour Market and Social Resilience on 20 May 2026.

Held virtually under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship, the workshop gathered representatives from ASEAN Member States (AMS), the ASEAN Secretariat, labor organizations, employers, and development partners to review the draft Declaration. The proposed declaration seeks to strengthen labor market institutions, expand social protection, support workers and enterprises through green and digital transitions, and deepen regional cooperation toward inclusive and sustainable development.

Read the full press release: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/policy-advocacies/media-resources/news/phl-leads-asean-push-for-stronger-labor-market-and-social-resilience

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) extends its warmest congratulations and welcome to Atty. Francis “Tol” N. Tolentino on his appointment as the incoming Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

As the policy research and advocacy arm of DOLE, ILS looks forward to supporting the Department under Secretary Tolentino’s stewardship through evidence-based policy research that respond to the evolving needs of Filipino workers.

The Institute stands ready to contribute to the Department’s continuing work toward decent work, productive employment, and a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready Filipino workforce.