Labor and Employment Secretary Francis N. Tolentino led the Philippine delegation in a bilateral meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) director general Gilbert F. Houngbo on the sidelines of the 29th ASEAN Labour Ministers’ Meeting.

Tolentino outlined key national labor priorities requiring ILO technical support, aligning with employment directives set by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The discussions covered the Philippines’ upcoming presidency of the 115th International Labour Conference, efforts to ratify ILO Convention No. 193 concerning decent work in the platform economy, and regional labor initiatives planned under the country’s ASEAN chairship.

Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Philippine labor programs, commending the nation’s contributions to global standards for decent work, social justice, and tripartite dialogue between government, employers and workers.

Tolentino stressed that sustained collaboration between the Department of Labor and Employment and the ILO remains critical to driving social protection, fair employment practices, and a just transition for workers across emerging economic sectors.