ASEAN vows labor force digitization
The group recognized that, like any tool, digitization involves challenges, risks, and unequal distribution of technological gains
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The group recognized that, like any tool, digitization involves challenges, risks, and unequal distribution of technological gains
Advancements in technology have brought us to the digitized era, where the creation and development of things are more efficient and faster. But digitization has both positive and negative impacts on the labor market and labor productivity.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who chaired the 27th ASEAN Labor Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings in Manila, highlighted the need to digitize the region's labor market to upskill the workforce and match with the needs of the 21st-century job skill requirement.
"The tremendous progress despite the challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic has further deepened ASEAN cooperation on labor and employment," a Joint Communique issued by labor representatives from the 10 member-states of ASEAN said.
The group recognized that, like any tool, digitization involves challenges, risks, and unequal distribution of technological gains. However, it also promotes better working conditions and decent work for men and women migrant workers if appropriately implemented.
Post-Covid-19 recovery
Considering the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the labor workforce and industries, the ALM expressed continued support of the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework in promoting preparedness and resiliency for future crises.
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They also pointed out the progress in the implementation of initiatives for the past two years, including the ASEAN Occupational Safety and Health Network Work Plan for 2021-2025:
"The tremendous progress despite the challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic has further deepened ASEAN cooperation on labor and employment," the document reads.
In terms of social security, the ALM endorsed the fast-tracked distribution of social security benefits to migrant workers through the ASEAN Declaration on Portability of Social Security Benefits for Migrant Workers to the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits.
Other workers' welfare initiatives endorsed by the ALM include ASEAN Guidelines on HIV Testing and Counselling and the Labor Inspection Committee Work Plan 2022-2030.
Modernized agri, techvoc initiatives
The ministers also discussed the need to modernize agriculture to address food security and inflation, especially with the rising global food prices.
ALMs agreed on pushing on initiatives in line with the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework and Strategic Plan of Action on Food Security 2015-2020 and the projects between the ASEAN community and the World Economic Forum:
"We recognized that a modernized agriculture which is competitive, inclusive and resilient can ensure food security; enhance quantity and quality production; create productive and remunerative employment, and promote sustainable enterprises towards green technologies," the document reads.
The ALMs also reported the completion of ASEAN's study on the effectiveness of technical-vocational education and training initiatives in strengthening the labor workforce within the region.
