THE Philippines is seeking Thailand’s support for four labor initiatives as it pushes for concrete regional action on emerging workplace issues.
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino presented the Philippine-led outcome documents during a bilateral meeting with Thai Minister of Labor Julapun Amornvivat on Tuesday, ahead of the 29th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Labor Ministers’ Meeting (ALMM) and related meetings.
Four priority documents cover labor market and social resilience, fair, ethical and sustainable recruitment, labor inspection in the fishing sector, and occupational safety and health in the informal economy.
Philippine officials sought Bangkok’s backing for the endorsement of these deliverables as part of efforts to advance practical, worker-centered policies within Asean.
Platform workers also figured prominently in the talks, with Tolentino and Amornvivat discussing the ratification of International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 193 on decent work in the platform economy.
Ride-hailing, delivery, freelancing and other digital platforms are among the emerging forms of work covered by the convention, reflecting the changing ways workers earn their livelihoods.
Possible cooperation on aquaculture development and workers’ rehabilitation likewise formed part of the bilateral discussions.
Thailand shared its experience in establishing rehabilitation centers for workers and invited Philippine officials to visit its facilities as Manila prepares to establish its own dedicated workers’ rehabilitation center.
Skills development was another area identified for closer cooperation, with the Philippines expressing support for Thailand’s priority to establish an Asean Center of Excellence for skills certification.
Manila reaffirmed its commitment to working with Bangkok in advancing ASEAN’s labor agenda and strengthening cooperation among member-states. The bilateral engagement forms part of the Marcos administration’s efforts to draw on regional expertise to improve programs and services for Filipino workers.
With workplaces and employment arrangements evolving, the Philippines is pushing Asean cooperation toward stronger labor protections, safer workplaces and better opportunities for workers across the region.