ASEAN integration to add 3.1 million jobs in Philippines: ILO

The Philippines could add 3.1 million jobs to its labor market as a member of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), which is expected to come into force in 2015, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said Wednesday.

However, the ILO said the country needs to boost skills training and social protection now in order to make the most of the single common market or else risk worsening poverty.

"Deepened trade integration under the AEC could lead to both economic and employment growth in the Philippines that could contribute to 3.1 million more jobs," ILO said, citing the study, "ASEAN Community 2015: Managing integration for better jobs and shared prosperity."

Of these new jobs, the agency, however, said that around 38 percent could be in vulnerable employment, and women account for just 1.1 million of expected job gains.

By 2015, the AEC, envisioned as a single common market and production base, is expected to be realized.