Labor ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) have officially endorsed four key measures aimed at enhancing worker protections across the region. This decision was announced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Philippines on Friday.
Asean's Commitment to Labor Rights
The measures focus on labor market resilience, fair recruitment practices, occupational safety in informal sectors, and improved labor inspections, especially in the fishing industry.
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
These measures will be formally presented at the upcoming 49th Asean Summit in November, where they await adoption by regional leaders. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino represented the Philippines at the recent ministers' meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
During his visit, Tolentino also met with San Lwin, Asean Secretariat Deputy Secretary-General for the Asean Socio-Cultural Community. Their discussions included how to implement these agreements into actionable regional programs.
The Philippines is set to host the 2026 Asean Green Jobs Forum in Manila. Additionally, it will chair the 115th International Labour Conference in 2027, emphasizing its commitment to advancing labor standards.