THE Philippines called for closer cooperation among Southeast Asian countries on skill recognition and green jobs, saying common standards could make it easier for workers to move across borders as labor markets adapt to technological and environmental shifts.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states need continued cooperation on the comparability of skill qualification frameworks, quality assurance, digital credentials and skill recognition, Labor Undersecretary Carmela I. Torres said at the 22nd Senior Labor Officials Meeting in Bangkok on Aug. 24, according to a Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) statement released on Wednesday.
Ms. Torres said aligning skill standards and recognition systems across the ASEAN would help workers and learners move more easily within the region while ensuring their qualifications are recognized.
The Philippines also said preparations are underway for the 2026 ASEAN Green Jobs Forum, which will be held in Manila on Oct. 19-20.
The forum will bring together ASEAN member states and other stakeholders to discuss implementation of the ASEAN Framework and Action Plan for Just and Inclusive Transition to Green Jobs, which was adopted in March, according to DoLE.
Ms. Torres also outlined Philippine efforts to carry out ASEAN initiatives covering the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy, human resource development funding, occupational safety and health, and the elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
Separately, the Philippines sought Thailand’s support for four labor initiatives on labor market and social resilience, fair and sustainable recruitment, fishing sector labor inspection and occupational safety and health in the informal economy.
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino presented the proposals during a meeting with Thai Minister of Labour Julapun Amornvivat on Aug. 26, ahead of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, DoLE said.
The two officials also discussed the possible ratification of International Labour Organization Convention No. 193 on decent work in the platform economy, which covers workers earning income through ride-hailing, delivery, freelancing and other digital platforms.
They also explored cooperation on aquaculture development and worker rehabilitation. Thai officials shared their experience in operating rehabilitation centers for workers and invited Philippine officials to visit the facilities as the Philippines prepares to establish its own worker rehabilitation center.
The meeting also covered skill development initiatives, with the Philippines expressing support for Thailand’s proposal to establish an ASEAN Center of Excellence for skill certification. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez