The Philippines has long acknowledged the critical role of human capital in driving economic development, reducing poverty, and closing the market and skills gap. With an overarching goal of having a prosperous and predominantly upper-middle-class society by 2040, the Philippine government has prioritised several reforms and policies geared towards enhancing human capital development. Relatedly, the most recent annual preliminary figures shows a growth in the employment rate from 92.2% in 2021 to 94.6% in 2022.

Guided by the overall goal of the updated Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is currently drafting its Labor and Employment Roadmap 2023-2028 which will highlight key priorities in promoting full, decent, and productive employment, achieving an improved labor market governance, and institutionalizing an equitable social protection system.

Against this backdrop, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) invites you to a luncheon meeting with our keynote speaker, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, as he delves into the priorities and plans of the Department to attain the aforesaid aspirations. This event will provide a platform for the European-Philippine business community to discuss potential areas for cooperation with the government to further improve the labor and employment landscape in the Philippines.

Important reminders:

• Food and drinks are available for attendees joining physically.
• In compliance with health and safety protocols, slots for physical attendance will be limited to fully vaccinated onsite participants only. Attendees will be required to present proof of vaccination (such as a Vax Certificate or Vaccination Card), and an accomplished health declaration form in order to enter the venue.