Duterte declares 2019 as Int’l Labor Organization Centenary

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 7th Union Asia Pacific Regional Conference held at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on April 23, 2019. REY BANIQUET/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has declared the year 2019 as the International Labor Organization (ILO) Centenary.

In Proclamation 710, signed by Duterte on Wednesday and released to the media on Friday, the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment as an active member of the ILO.

“The Philippine Government, through the ILO’s social partners, which includes employers and workers’ organizations, reaffirms its full support to and cooperation with the ILO’s mandate of promoting international peace and social justice,” the proclamation read.

The proclamation also tasked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to cooperate with employers’ and workers’ organizations in conducting programs and activities nationwide related to the ILO Centenary.

It also tasked the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to lead the campaign in fostering ILO awareness in the country.

The Philippines has been a member of the ILO since 1948.

According to its website, the ILO is the only tripartite United Nations agency that brings together governments, employers and workers of 187 member states, to set labor standards, develop policies and devise programs promoting decent work for all women and men.