The Freedom of Association (FOA) Training of Trainers (TOT) Programme has been launched in the Philippines through a partnership between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), aimed at strengthening labour rights and democratic values. This pilot initiative in Luzon seeks to create a core group of trainers and advocates equipped to promote and safeguard the right to freedom of association across sectors and regions of the country.
DOLE’s Bureau of Labor Relations Director, Atty. Arturo Alfonso Herbosa, emphasized that the programme marks a significant step toward creating an environment where both human rights and trade union rights are upheld. The training focuses on developing a cadre of leaders capable of advancing these principles at community and institutional levels.
The training gathered 33 participants from a broad range of sectors, including government, labour and employer organizations, security forces, and academia. These individuals were trained not only on the technicalities of FOA, but also on advocacy strategies and practical applications. The initiative aims to embed FOA principles into workplaces and policies, fostering a rights-based, inclusive, and sustainable labour ecosystem.
Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, noted that the training reflects the country’s commitment to social justice and human dignity. Participants are expected to serve as multipliers, sharing their acquired knowledge and tools with others and driving long-term change in support of civil liberties and labour protections.
The training content covered essential themes including human rights foundations, national and international labour standards, FOA violations and remedies, and the intersection of FOA with issues like gender equality, climate change, and migration. A case-based learning approach allowed participants to apply legal frameworks to real-world scenarios, including the implementation of the 2024 Omnibus Guidelines on FOA and Civil Liberties.
Lyndone dela Cruz of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) highlighted how the programme enhances their ability to promote labour education and maintain industrial peace, particularly in economic zones. Sessions were facilitated by a mix of institutions such as CHR, DTI, DMW, FFW, ECOP, and UP Law Center, reflecting the programme’s multi-sectoral character.
To ensure wider accessibility, the FOA training has also been integrated into the DOLE E-campus, enabling flexible, self-paced online learning with interactive features and reference materials. The initiative was supported by the Government of Canada under the “Strengthening Freedom of Association and Action Against Child Labour” project and by the European Union through the “Trade for Decent Work” project. The training took place from August 26–31, 2025 in Clark, Pampanga.
