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By APD writer Melo M. Acuña
MANILA, Dec. 4 (APD) – With barely a decade before the targets mentioned in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are expected to be met, progress has been made in access to energy, decent work and fighting extreme poverty and child mortality as disclosed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his recent remarks at a Summit this year.
This was the message delivered by ILO Country Office Director Khalid Hassan for and on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator for the Philippines at a top-level trade unions’ learning exchange and training workshop at Makati Diamond Residences in Makati City.
He cited the Philippines which recently had its second Voluntary National Review (VNR) where it was reported progress in accomplishing global goals through the National Economic and Development Authority.
“Trade union efforts helped influence the VNR and participated in subsequent activities, which is an important contribution to influence the development policy in the Philippines,” Hassan said.
He added on decent work and economic growth or SDG 8, the Philippines accomplished a GDP growth rate of over six percent as well as the lower unemployment rate in almost 15 years based on the report.
“The Green Jobs Act further promoted decent jobs that are environment-friendly, protect the ecosystem and biodiversity and help reduce waste generation and pollution,” the ILO official said.
Director Khalid Hassan of the ILO Country Office in the Philippines delivering his remarks before the participants to the South-South Learning Exchange and Training Workshop in Manila. (Photo by MInette Rimando)
He likewise cited the private sector’s role which brought inclusive business models and value chains as disadvantaged groups availed of livelihood support programs to life their communities out of poverty.
The Philippines, in its promotion of social protection and narrowing the gap between male and female labor force, the government expanded maternity leave benefits and extended conditional cash transfer to poor families.
Against this backdrop, Director Hassan said workers’ organizations and trade unions in the Philippines believe there is more to be accomplished especially on SDG 8 as there is a wide range of economic, social and environmental objectives in an integrated and rights-based approach to development.
He called on the participants from various countries in the South-South Learning Exchange Workshop to share their knowledge and experiences how they influence the 2030 development agenda processes to promote and advance trade union priorities.
“The UN in the Philippines, as part of these dialogues is committed to engaging with labor and business groups to shape its programs and activities in the country,” he concluded.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
