Climate change affects productivity — Phl labor officials

MANILA, Philippines -  The Philippines emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change and its adverse impacts on labor productivity, working conditions, and occupational safety and health.

In a statement delivered at the International Labor Conference (ILC) in Geneva last June 13, the Philippine delegation also elaborated on the policies and programs of the Philippines in protecting its workforce against climate change.

“Climate change exposes our workers and industries to challenging vulnerabilities. We cannot afford to adopt a business-as-usual attitude because climate change continues to adversely transform the economic landscape and the labor market itself,” said Labor Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad, on behalf of Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

Emphasizing that efforts to address climate change ultimately redounded to the benefit of workers, Lagunzad highlighted the enactment of the Philippine Green Jobs Act, which promotes employment and assists in the transition to a green economy by giving incentives to environmentally sustainable and standards-compliant enterprises. 

He underscored the alignment of the Philippine Development Plan with Sustainable Development Goals, which identify decent work as an important dimension of development.

Lagunzad said that addressing the adverse impacts of climate change is a priority of the Philippine government under President Duterte. “Our policy has always been to promote resiliency through sustainable development,” he added.