CONWEP raised concerns over employment decline, export performance, economic losses, regional competition, cost disadvantages, and the potential impact of further wage increases on the industry.
In response, DOLE proposed a coordinated government approach under the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan to strengthen policy focus and support industries in distress, such as the garments sector.
Among the recommended actions are the inclusion of CONWEP’s concerns in the next Clothing and Textile Industry Tripartite Council meeting; provision of assistance through the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program; promotion of technical and productivity training under the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC); and updates on the Philippines–European Union Free Trade Agreement and related trade negotiations.
Joining Secretary Laguesma in the meeting are Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres of the Employment and Human Resource Development Cluster, Assistant Secretary Atty. Lennard Constantine C. Serrano of the Labor Relations, Policy and International Affairs Cluster and Regional Operations Cluster, and NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy.
