QUEZON CITY — Mr. Bernard Paul Mangulabnan, Officer-in-Charge and Chief Labor and Employment Officer of the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) Employment Research Division, discussed the key provisions of the Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 and the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) continuing efforts and initiatives to support green jobs, during an episode of DOLE sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Radio on DWDD 1134 kHz AM, aired on 15 July 2025.

 “Ang Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 ay pormal na kinikilala ang kontribusyon at papel ng sektor ng paggawa at empleyo. Tayong mga manggagawa, whether in the public or private sector, ay may mahalagang papel sa pagpapahalaga at pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan,” Mr. Mangulabnan explained.

Under the law, green jobs are not only refer to jobs that contribute to environmental goals but also meeting the standards of decent work. “Una, ito ay dapat nakakatulong o naglalayong bigyang solusyon ang mga isyu sa kapaligiran. At ang pinaka-importante, ito ay dapat isang disenteng trabaho. Kapag sinabing disenteng trabaho, kailangan ito ay produktibo, may makataong sweldo, at may boses at representasyon ang manggagawa sa workplace decision-making,” Mangulabnan emphasized.

Mr. Mangulabnan also highlighted DOLE’s core mandate under the Green Jobs Act - the development the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development (NGJ HRD) Plan, officially launched last 08 July 2025. The plan outlines a strategic vision for preparing the Filipino workforce for the green economy and ensuring a just transition toward sustainable development. “Sa paglipat natin sa low-carbon economy, mahalaga ang just transition. Kinikilala ng batas na may mga sektor at manggagawang maaapektuhan. Layunin ng HRD Plan na ihanda at gabayan ang lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan sa pagharap sa transition na ito.” 

Mr. Mangulabnan also noted challenges in the implementation of the law, including the need for a clear system for green jobs assessment and certification as the country shifts to low-carbon and climate-resilient economy.  

“Kailangan natin ng malinaw na assessment at certification ng green jobs. Inaasahan po namin na ngayong taon ay mapipirmahan Joint Memorandum Circular among designated agencies upang magsilbing gabay sa certification process. Sa ganitong paraan, maaaring ma-avail ng mga enterprises ang fiscal incentives na nakasaad sa batas.” Mangulabnan also stressed that raising public awareness on green jobs remains a key priority. 

In closing, Mr. Mangulabnan emphasized the significance of collective action in realizing the vision of the Green Jobs plan – ensuring that every Filipino have access to quality green jobs and no one is left behind. “Nais po naming ipaabot na ang green jobs ay hindi lamang tungkol sa pagprotekta sa ating kalikasan. Ito rin ay tungkol sa pagbuo ng isang mas sustainable at disenteng kinabukasan para sa lahat ng manggagawang Pilipino. Lagi nating tatandaan na ang success sa ating pag transition sa low carbon o green economy, ito ay nakadepende sa ating collective action at kooperasyon ng bawat isa. Walang maiiwan sa transition na ito. Lahat tayo ay may papel na gagampanan,” he concluded. 

DOLE sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) radio program is hosted by Tim Laderas and Carla San Diego of the DOLE Information and Publication Service (IPS). The program serves as a platform to inform the public about labor and employment-related policies, programs, and issues. 

The full National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan 2020–2030: Pathways for Building a Sustainable Workforce is available for free download via the ILS website: https://ils.dole.gov.ph/2024-research-papers/national-green-jobs-human-resource-development-plan-2020-2030-pathways-for-building-a-sustainable-workforce. 

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