ILO 100

2019 declared as ILO Centenary in the Philippines

The Philippines declared 2019 as the ILO Centenary and reaffirmed its full support to, and cooperation with the ILO’s mandate of promoting peace and social justice.

Press release | Manila, Philippines | 29 April 2019
President Rodrigo Duterte has declared 2019 as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Centenary.

In Proclamation No. 710 signed by the President on 24 April, the government, through social partners, which includes employers and workers organizations, reaffirms its full support to and cooperation with the ILO’s mandate of promoting international peace and social justice.

As an active member of the ILO, the Proclamation upholds the endeavours of the Philippines to enhance its commitment to pursue ideals and principles of the Organization.

“As we embark on the ILO Centenary, I have full confidence that all collaborations and partnerships among member States will continue to strengthen towards fostering social justice, equity, fairness in the international labour front. Together let us remain committed in promoting decent work and further empowerment of our workforce for they are the backbone of the growth and development of our country,” said President Duterte.

Founded in 1919, the ILO is the only surviving major creation of the Treaty of Versailles that ended the First World War. The tripartite structure makes the ILO unique in the United Nations system, bringing together governments, employers and workers and giving them an equal voice in the world of work.

The Philippines became a member of the ILO on 15 June 1948, two years after gaining its independence. Through government, employers and workers partnership, the Philippines was the first country in Asia to participate in a pilot programme on decent work in 2002.

The ILO 24-Hour Global Tour held on 11 April 2019 featured series of events broadcasted live from 24 countries spanning across four continents for 24 hours. The Philippines was among the 24 countries to broadcast live globally.

Presidential Proclamation No. 710 further tasked the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in cooperation with employers’ and workers’ organization, to spearhead programmes and activities nationwide related to the ILO Centenary celebration.

All other agencies and instrumentalities of the government, specifically those involved in ILO projects, are enjoined, and all local government units, as well as the private sector, are encouraged to provide the necessary support and assistance to the DOLE to ensure the successful observance of the ILO Centenary and the effective implementation of the Proclamation.

The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) will also be involved as lead in the campaign to foster ILO awareness in the Philippines, and to promote programmes and activities, in connection with the ILO Centenary celebration.

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