First Nat’l Industry Dialogue on Sustainable Aquaculture Supply Chains

Philippine labor and industry leaders, workers, employers, and policymakers, together with international partners, gathered for the first-ever National Industry Dialogue on Sustainable Aquaculture Supply Chains in Makati on 27-28 October 2025 to discuss ways to improve the lives of aquaculture workers and promote responsible and sustainable growth in one of the country’s fastest-expanding food-producing sectors. The event, organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) with support from the Government of Japan through the Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Supply Chains (RISSC) Project, tackled challenges and initiatives to empower aquaculture workers through employment, livelihood, and training programs, as well as efforts to ensure decent work and eliminate child labor in the sector. The dialogue closed with one voice that development must be inclusive, that business growth must go hand in hand with workers’ welfare, and that decent work is the foundation of lasting prosperity for families and communities. Present during the event as a show of commitment to advancing sustainable and decent work in aquaculture were Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, ILO Country Director Khalid Hassan, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, United Nations Resident Coordinator to the Philippines Arnaud Peral, and partners from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, and Food and Agriculture Organization. (Photos by Ali Creo/DOLE-IPS)