Action Against Climate Change is Action in Support of Labor, PH Stresses in ILC

Department of Labor and Employment Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad delivers the Philippine Statement at the the International Labor Conference in Geneva on June 13.

20 June 2017 GENEVA — The Philippine Delegation to the International Labor Conference (ILC) stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and its adverse impacts on labor productivity, working conditions, and occupational safety and health, in a statement delivered on 13 June 2017 that also elaborated on the policies and programs of the Philippines in protecting its workforce against climate change.

“Climate change exposes our workers and industries to challenging vulnerabilities. We cannot afford to adopt a ‘business-as-usual’ attitude because climate change continues to adversely transform the economic landscape and the labor market itself,” said DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad, on behalf of Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Emphasizing that efforts to address climate change ultimately redounded to the benefit of workers, Lagunzad highlighted the enactment of the Philippine Green Jobs Act, which promotes employment and assists in the transition to a green economy by giving incentives to environmentally-sustainable and standards-compliant enterprises. He likewise underscored the alignment of the Philippine Development Plan with the Sustainable Development Goals, which identify decent work as an important dimension of development.

Addressing the adverse impacts of climate change is a priority of the Philippine Government under Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte. The Eight-Point Labor and Employment Agenda of DOLE promotes sound business environment and recognizes that fostering industrial peace in the labor sector and protecting the environment are fundamental parts of the overall development effort. 

“Our policy has always been to promote resiliency through sustainable development,” he added.

Ambassador Evan Garcia, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva, meanwhile drew attention to the link between climate change and human rights, including the right to work.

“The impact of climate change exacerbates the conditions of those who are already in vulnerable situations,” he said, adding that efforts must continue to address the racial, social and economic inequities that climate change perpetuates.

For more information, visit www.genevapm.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/genevapcg. END

DOLE Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad calls for continued action against climate change to protect labor, in a statement delivered on behalf of Sec. Silvestre Bello III during the International Labor Conference in Geneva on 13 June 2017.