The Philippines joined world leaders in Doha, Qatar, to strengthen its role in global initiatives for fair wages, decent jobs, and social protection, as these continue to shape the lives of Filipino workers and millions around the world.
Represented by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Warren M. Miclat, the Philippines took part in the Global Coalition for Social Justice Forum at the Second World Summit for Social Development, convened by the United Nations and chaired by International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
“In line with Paragraph III-H of the DOHA Political Declaration, which calls for support to the implementation of the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions, the Philippines values this platform as an essential mechanism to deepen collaboration among ILO constituents toward fairness and inclusivity, and sustainability in the world of work,” Undersecretary Miclat said speaking on behalf of the Philippine Government.
The Labor Undersecretary also outlined how the Philippines is putting those principles into practice, starting with efforts to refine the methodology for a family living wage aligned with international standards, strengthen social protection, and expand opportunities for decent and green jobs.
The Philippines, he said, has also validated its national roadmap on decent jobs and social protection with the ILO, UNDP, and UNICEF to guide policy in key sectors like construction and transportation.
For Filipino workers, these efforts mean more than just participation in a global forum. These translate to stronger protection, fairer pay, and sustainable jobs that adapt to a changing climate and economy.
The undersecretary added that as the Philippines prepares to lead ASEAN in 2026, DOLE will push for labor market resilience and social justice to be placed at the forefront of regional cooperation.
“We aim to align our labor and employment agenda with the objectives of the coalition, placing social justice, labor market resilience, and social protection at the forefront of ASEAN priorities,” he said.
Through these engagements, DOLE aims to ensure that Filipino workers, regardless of their industries, benefit from policies shaped by global cooperation and a shared vision for a fairer, more inclusive future of work.
DOLE Undersecretary Miclat, along with the head of the Philippine delegation—Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian, also joined two high-level roundtable discussions on strengthening the pillars of social development and advancing the commitments of the Copenhagen Declaration toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Also part of the Philippine delegation were Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Leilani M. Reynoso, other DSWD undersecretaries, Office of the Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Secretary Lorenzo G. Gadon, and Ambassador Mardomel Celo D. Melicor, among others.
