PH plays key role in ‘just transition’

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly said the Philippines is playing a key role in pursuing “just transition” — which is ILO’s policy framework on sustainable development, decent work, and green jobs. (Pixabay photo)

MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) jointly said the Philippines is playing a key role in pursuing “just transition” — which is ILO’s policy framework on sustainable development, decent work, and green jobs.

In a high-level dialogue on more quality jobs in Asia and the Pacific at the 51st ADB Annual Meeting Friday, ILO Country Office for the Philippines Director Khalid Hassan said the Philippines is the pilot country for Just Transition guidelines with the passage of Republic Act No. 10771 or the Green Jobs Act of 2016, a law promoting the creation of green jobs.

Green jobs, as defined by the law, refers to employment that contributes to preserving or restoring the quality of the environment whether it is in sectors of agriculture, industry or services.

Hassan said the ILO is committed to support the country as it seeks to promote employment that is environment friendly and at the same time provides decent working conditions.

Under the Green Jobs Act, the Philippine government offers incentives to enterprises that generate and sustain green jobs as certified by the Climate Change Commission.

Meantime, ADB Philippines Country Director Kelly Bird said the Philippines’ labor market is improving.

Bird added the labor market has been growing at its strongest rate in over half a decade, with half a million jobs being created in the public and private sectors.

“At this rate, we do think and we do believe that the formal sector will surpass employment in the informal sector for the first time in the next couple of years,” he noted, adding that this is the “turning point in the Philippines’ labor market”.

However, Bird said there is a need to take new and innovative steps in preparing young people to become employable. He cited an ADB study indicating that there are relatively few young people in the country’s workforce because it takes an average of four years for the high school graduate to land a regular job.

ADB has helped the country enhance its labor market through the JobStart Program, which are currently implemented in 32 local government units. The JobStart Program has thus far prepared 50,000 out-of-school youths for employment.