The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) expressed its strong support for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), as it conducted a nationwide series of regional consultations and the Mid-Term Review of the Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) 2023–2028, held from October 9 to 30, 2025.

The consultations aimed to assess the progress of LEP implementation, gather feedback from regional stakeholders, and reinforce commitments to ensure the plan’s effective execution in the coming years.

On October 10, 2025, ILS representatives joined two simultaneous consultations held in Zamboanga City and Tuguegarao City. In Zamboanga, OIC-Deputy Executive Director Ms. Miraluna S. Tacadao and Ms. Franchesca Rose S. Castillo represented the Institute, while Ms. Joan N. Comillo and Mr. Diether B. Navarosa participated in Tuguegarao leg.

In Zamboanga City, Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) Director Alfonso J. Herbosa opened the session with a presentation of the LEP Mid-Term Progress Report at the national level. DOLE Regional Office IX Director Albert E. Gutib followed with an update on the region’s labor market performance and progress. ILS OIC-DED Tacadao presented one of the special topics, “Decent Work in the Platform Economy “highlighting emerging challenges and opportunities in digital labor. 

Meanwhile, in Tuguegarao City, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) Director Leilani M. Reynoso provided the national context of the LEP, followed by  DOLE Regional Office II Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal, Jr., reported on the region’s accomplishments and priorities. Other resource speakers included Mr. Jill Borjal of the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) on the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan and the platform economy, and Mr. Franz Allan A. Visitacion of the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC), who presented the Progressive Wage Model. The team also paid a courtesy call to Assistant Regional Director Atty. Remedios T. Vegim of DOLE RO II prior to the consultation.

The Mid-Term Review and Consultations form part of DOLE’s continuing efforts to refine its strategic priorities, strengthen policy and program coherence, and sustain progress toward creating more and better jobs for Filipinos.

Through its active participation, the ILS reaffirms its commitment to providing research-based policy support and supporting DOLE’s mission to advance decent and productive employment opportunities nationwide.

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