Decent Work in an Integrated ASEAN Context: The Case of the Philippine Sugarcane Industry

Event Title:
Decent Work in an Integrated ASEAN Context: The Case of the Philippine Sugarcane Industry

Venue:
Occupational Safety and Health Center

Date and Time:
11 November 2013, 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.

Purpose:
To come up with an adjustment measure program that will ensure workers’ protection within the context of an integrated ASEAN

Background:
In 2015, the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) will be established, paving the way for a highly competitive single market and production base for the 10 ASEAN member-economies. The AEC, embodying an integrated ASEAN, will facilitate free flow of goods, services, skilled labor, capital and investments. The integration will enhance competition amongst industries for the trade in goods and capital, and amongst human resources for trade in services within the ASEAN region.

This grand vision for the ASEAN in 2015 is generating different levels of expectations. Some sectors are optimistic; others are not so welcoming about the idea of a regional bloc. To set expectations right, various research studies have been undertaken to determine the impact of an integrated ASEAN on labor and employment. Some of these research studies have consistently pointed out that the sugar industry will be directly affected by the ASEAN integration. Given the fact that a number of Filipinos are employed in the sugar industry, it is imperative for the Philippine government to come up with an adjusted measure program that will ensure workers’ protection within the context of an integrated ASEAN.

It is within this context that a consultation with the sugar industry should be undertaken to assess initiatives, projects and programs of key stakeholders in preparing for the AEC. The assessment should highlight both efficiency and equity measures.

Objectives:
The objectives of the forum are the following:

1) Present an objective assessment of the impact of the ASEAN Economic Community on labor and employment, with focus on the Philippine sugar industry;
2) Validate the assessment through consultation with the key stakeholders in the sugar industry;
3) Identify programs and projects of the Philippine government that will address constraints for growth of the sugar industry; and
4) Design a trade adjustment measure program for labor and employment, taking the case of the sugar industry.

Output:
Development event proceedings

Participants:
Key stakeholders from DOLE and other national government agencies, sugar industry, academe, labor sector and business groups

Partners:
None

Contact Information: 
For more information on this event please contact the Employment Research Division, event secretariat at 5273447