Philippines presents national development framework ahead of UN Directors Group Retreat

Labour officials outlined how global commitments on jobs, social protection, and inclusion are being translated into concrete local action.

The Philippines, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), presented its national development frameworks at the 3rd United Nations Directors Group Retreat of the Local2030 Coalition in Bilbao on 11 February 2026.

Representing the country, Carmela I. Torres, Undersecretary, outlined how global commitments are translated into concrete local actions during the retreat, which was hosted at the Local2030 Coalition Secretariat Office. The gathering serves as a venue for collaborative discussion and strategic planning, allowing participants to exchange insights and shape the coalition’s priorities.

In her virtual presentation, Torres highlighted that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are fully integrated into the Philippine Development Plan and Ambisyon Natin 2040, aligned with the goals of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration. This integration ensures that national commitments on decent work, social protection, climate resilience, and inclusion are reflected in regional and local development priorities.

She said the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Plan (TPB), Labour and Employment Plan (LEP), and Global Accelerator (GA) together form a coherent engine for delivering SDGs at the local level.

Mechanisms for local implementation

Torres explained that translating these commitments locally relies on three main mechanisms.

First, local governments integrate employment and SDG priorities into their development plans and budgets. Second, the Philippines works with the United Nations system and development partners. Third, participatory governance is carried out through tripartite mechanisms.

National roadmap for jobs and recovery

Aligned with the country’s SDG commitments, the TPB serves as a national roadmap for job creation and recovery. It outlines policy measures and practical actions, including support for enterprises, enhancement of employability, reduction of informality, strengthening of employment services and labour market institutions, and expansion of social protection.

The TPB also functions as the national platform for engagement with the UN GA through an inter-agency council that brings together key stakeholders to advance reforms that are nationally owned, inclusive, and globally consistent.

Torres noted that through the UN joint programme under the GA, the Philippines is working with development partners to support job-rich, SDG-aligned interventions in priority sectors, generating lessons that can be scaled at local and national levels.

Time-bound employment targets

She also reported that the LEP 2023-2028 operationalises these priorities through time-bound targets. The plan aims to generate more and higher-quality jobs, enhance labour rights, and expand social protection coverage.

Commitment to continued collaboration

In her closing message, Torres said: “The Philippines remains committed to working with the Local2030 coalition and the UN system to deepen this approach — using jobs, social protection, and just transition as the entry points for making the 2030 agenda real in people’s lives, every city, and every community.

The Philippines became one of the pathfinder countries of the GA on jobs and social protection for just transitions in March 2024 and is currently developing a national roadmap focused on the construction and transportation sectors.

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Lead image / DOLE