The Philippines has taken a major step to strengthen fundamental rights at work with the launch of a new comprehensive Freedom of Association (FOA) training resource. Developed jointly by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), and crafted in consultation with workers and employers, the initiative aims to raise awareness, prevent violations, and promote the right to organize and bargain collectively.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma emphasized that freedom of association is not merely a technical matter but a human right that empowers people, protects dignity, and fosters trust, peace, and progress in the workplace. The training resource targets government agencies, employers, workers, and security forces, equipping them to uphold and implement labour rights effectively.
The initiative builds on the Philippines’ commitment to address the recommendations of the ILO’s 2023 High-Level Tripartite Mission on alleged violations of trade union rights. Measures already implemented include the adoption of a Freedom of Association roadmap and the establishment of the Inter-Agency Committee under Executive Order 23 to bolster workers’ rights and strengthen social dialogue.
Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, noted that the training resource reflects the country’s ongoing commitment to accountability, stronger institutions, and alignment with international labour standards. The FOA training comprises five modules covering human rights, labour rights in the Philippines, documentation of violations and remedies, and FOA in the context of business, human rights, gender, climate, and migration.
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin underscored the link between labour rights and democracy, noting that protecting freedom of association strengthens both governance and the economy. Funded in part by the Government of Canada and the European Union, the launch brought together over 100 stakeholders, including government officials, trade unions, civil society, and development partners, to affirm their support for the initiative.
A pilot FOA training run in late August 2025 trained a pool of facilitators from government, unions, employers, security forces, and academia. The program will now be rolled out nationally, creating a network to advance freedom of association and labour education at both national and local levels, ensuring long-term impact for workers, employers, and democratic institutions alike.
