State Dining Room, Malacañan Palace
August 8, 2023
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. listened to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as it discussed its Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) 2023-2028 during a sectoral meeting at the State Dining Room in Malacañan Palace.
As a result of the high-level consultations conducted by the Department with various sectors all over the country, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma bared the priorities, outcomes and strategies that will be undertaken in the proposed LEP 2023-2028 that covers three (3) focal areas — (1) maximizing remunerative, freely chosen and sustainable work and employment opportunities; (2) ensuring labor governance that respects all fundamental principles and rights at work, international labor standards and human rights; and (3) building equitable and inclusive social protection.
The first focal area aims to result to increased employability; equal access to employment opportunities; shared labor market governance; and an enhanced enabling environment promoting sustainable and resilient enterprises, particularly the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Meanwhile, outcomes for the second focal area include improved labor administration capacity; strengthened capacities of government and social partners; and modern and balanced policy, legal and institutional frameworks on labor protection for all. Finally, the third focal area seeks to ensure an enhanced and inclusive implementation of social protection, and strengthened policy and institutional framework.
On ways forward, Secretary Laguesma proposed for the creation of a Tripartite Oversight Committee to monitor and oversee the implementation of the LEP, a Technical Working Group to develop an action plan for priority areas and the conduct of a National Tripartite Conference to officially launch the LEP 2023-2028.
President Marcos Jr. supported the creation of a tripartite committee specifically highlighting the involvement of all sectors. He directed the DOLE to continue its coordination with private entities to identify current trends in the labor market, as well as to ensure that Filipino workers are equipped with proper training and skills that are attractive to the present market locally and internationally.
The LEP 2023-2028 serves as the labor framework aligned with the Administration’s socioeconomic agenda and complements the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 in order to achieve a future of enhanced labor and governance, and equitable employment opportunities in the country.
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