Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2001, published 90th ILC session (2002)

Employment Policy Convention, 1964 (No. 122) - Philippines (Ratification: 1976)

1. Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. In reply to previous comments, the Government in its report describes the various youth employment programmes. These include the youth work programme (KABATAAN) with approximately 2.5 million participants between 1993-99; the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) with approximately 113,000 participants in 1999; the Work Appreciation Program (WAP) with 2,315 placements last year, and the Displaced Workers’ Program in which about 50,000 workers have been provided assistance, and 4,500 provided training, up to 1999. The Government also states that it has established a public employment service office in every province, key city or other strategic area. The Committee requests that the Government continue to supply information on these and other measures taken to promote employment for young people.

2. The Committee notes that rapid import liberalization had resulted in a decline in the quantity and quality of jobs, and that casual and temporary work are increasing. The Government is reviewing the impact of globalization on the quantity and quality of employment, and the Congressional Labor Commission is preparing a concept paper to guide possible revisions of the labour market regulatory framework. The Committee would appreciate receiving further information on the outcome of these efforts to promote employment.

3. The Committee notes that GDP growth has been below forecast, at  0.5 per cent in 1998 and 3.2 per cent in 1999. Job growth has slowed while the labour force continues to grow by about 1 million entrants per year. The Committee notes that, pursuant to its five-year plan for 1999-2004, the Government has established a multi-sectoral Comprehensive Employment Plan (CEP) to generate employment at local levels. The CEP largely targets vulnerable groups and displaced workers, and is monitored by the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council. Please continue to provide information on whether the jobs created through the CEP are productive, sustainable and of sufficient number.

4. Lastly, the Committee notes with interest that the Government has endorsed the Philippines as an ILO Decent Work Pilot Project, which will include a comprehensive Country Employment Policy Review. It looks forward to receiving further information on the findings of these studies.