Sustainable jobs must be founded on the principles of decent work, social justice, inclusivity, and genuine social dialogue.
This was highlighted by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres, who represented the Philippines during the Green Jobs in the Digital Economy: A Global and Regional Perspective High-Level Plenary Session at the recently held ASEAN Green Jobs Forum in Putrajaya, Malaysia.
Joining her in the plenary session moderated by Australian consultant Claire Field are YB Datuk Gerawat Gala, Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak, Malaysia’s Department of Labour, Immigration and Project Monitoring, and Jakkraphong Sumethchotimetha, Advisor to Thailand’s Minister of Labour.
Providing a state-level perspective in ASEAN’s push for a more sustainable economy, Undersecretary Torres highlighted the Philippines’ shift toward a greener economy to ensure a vibrant labor market and build resilience from climate change-related challenges.
“For us Filipinos, climate action is not only a purely environmental issue, but also a labor and employment priority… we must do this through a just transition approach where no one will be left behind,” the DOLE official emphasized, further highlighting that climate action and the creation of green jobs are in the socioeconomic agenda of the Marcos, Jr. administration.
Undersecretary Torres also shared that the country has been strengthening its green jobs initiatives in support of the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016—the first social legislation in ASEAN to intensify the promotion of green jobs.
DOLE-led initiatives in support of the Act include developing the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan; maintaining the Green Jobs Database of “Green Careers”, Professions, and Skills; integrating green jobs into the DOLE’s labor inspection and livelihood programs; incorporating green concepts into productivity initiatives; and creating more skills development programs on green competencies.
The undersecretary also referred to digital and artificial intelligence (AI)-related skills as ‘significant enablers’ of sustainable industries, enhancing efficiency and scalability of emerging sectors.
To further intensify the push for green and just transition, the Labor Undersecretary also said that the Philippines will focus on implementing the Framework and Action Plan for Green Jobs during its ASEAN Chairship in 2026.
Specifically, the Philippines will push for regional cooperation and consensus-building in the areas of evidence-based action; expansion of the Global Accelerator Network on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions; integration of green jobs in regional policy and development plans; and digital and green skills for youth.
The hybrid ASEAN forum was participated in by government representatives in the labor, environment, education, and business sectors; policymakers; education providers; and social partners from the ASEAN Member States and Australia, among others.
