QUEZON CITY – The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) participated in the Second Philippine Energy Transition Dialogue 2025, with the theme Localizing the Energy Transition: Ensuring Energy Security and Resilience through Renewable Development, held on 03 December 2025 at the Novotel Manila, Araneta City, Quezon City.

The event convened experts and representatives from national government agencies, local government units, development partners, and think tanks to discuss strategies for advancing renewable energy (RE) at the local level. The dialogue featured three plenary sessions that examined the Philippines’ climate and energy commitments in light of its upcoming ASEAN Chairship in 2026, the critical role of local governments in renewable energy deployment, and the need to streamline and harmonize permitting processes for RE development.

Mr. Bernard Paul M. Mangulabnan, Acting Chief Labor and Employment Officer of the Employment Relations Division of ILS, served as a resource speaker and discussed the socioeconomic dimensions of the energy transition. He explained that the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan, which was launched by DOLE in July 2025, signals that the shift to a low-carbon economy will create new green jobs and transform existing roles, while also displacing jobs tied to fossil-fuel industries, making respect for labor rights essential. He emphasized that green jobs do not emerge automatically but require deliberate and explicit industrial policies to manage the transition and expand access to these opportunities.

Mr. Mangulabnan joined representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) in the first plenary titled, ASEAN Chairship and COP30: Translating Commitments into Local Renewable Energy Development.

The dialogue also showcased local government initiatives, best practices, and community-level experiences in implementing renewable energy solutions. 

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