PH assumes chairsmanship of ILO gov’t group

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (File photo by GRIC C. MONTEGRANDE / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has assumed chairmanship of the government group of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in an appointment that marks a significant shift in the policy-making of the body.

The country formally assumed the post last week after completing its vice chairmanship position in the ILO, according to a report sent to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

The Philippines will chair the governing body for a year, the DOLE said.

“With the chairmanship of the government group, the Philippines will be in a key position in the setting of global labor standards,” Bello said in a statement on Sunday.

“We will also exercise a pivotal role in helping the ILO achieve full, equal, and more democratic participation of its small, non-regular members in setting policies and programs,” he added.

Labor Attaché to Geneva Cheryl Datec reported that the country will lead the Governing Body of the ILO which convenes every March, June, and November.

Secretary Bello will preside over the Government Body Sessions and the International Labour Conference (ILC) Government Group meetings.

The ILO, the first and oldest specialized agency of the United Nations, is mandated to advance social and economic justice through setting international labor standards.

/MUF