ILO, Canada launch initiative in PH vs forced labor

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Canadian government have launched a four-year project aimed at strengthening responsive institutions and mechanisms to eliminate forced labor in the Philippines.

PRIME PH is an initiative that will work with the Philippine government, labor and employer groups, and other stakeholders to strengthen policies and institutions, prevent and address forced labor, protect workers, and improve access to justice and remedies.

Supported by the Labour Program of Employment and Social Development Canada, it will run from 2026 until February 2030.

The ILO said eliminating all forms of forced or compulsory labor is a fundamental principle and right at work, essential to decent work, social justice, and human dignity.

“Forced labor has no place in our societies. Eliminating this practice is fundamental to achieving decent work, social justice, and human dignity,” said Khalid Hassan, Director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines.

The initiative further aims to strengthen the Philippines’ compliance with international labor standards, promote decent work, and encourage responsible business practices, particularly in the manufacturing and agriculture sectors exporting to Canada.

“Protection from forced labor is fundamental to decent work, human dignity, and fair competition. The Philippines stands at the forefront of this effort, with strong labor standards that protect workers, uphold human rights, and strengthen our place in global trade,” said Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino.

According to the ILO, the risk of forced labor in the Philippines is particularly high in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining, as the practice is often hidden.

This makes it difficult to determine its true scale and identify workers who need protection.

However, forced labor has growing implications for the country’s trade and businesses.

The Canadian government defined forced labor as a “serious violation of human rights that demands a targeted response."

“The PRIME PH project will advance efforts in Philippine tradeable sectors to prevent forced labour and strengthen protections for workers. Through these types of partnerships, we can help build fairer workplaces while ensuring worker’s rights are respected.” said John Zerucelli, Canada’s Secretary of State for Labour.

“By working together, Canada and the Philippines can strengthen opportunities for workers and businesses alike by keeping workers’ rights at the heart of our economic partnership and creating lasting benefits for communities in both countries,” said Patty Hajdu, Canada’s Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.

PRIME PH was established to address labor gaps, prevent exploitation, protect victims of forced labor, strengthen enforcement, and promote responsible business practices through stronger cooperation among government, workers, employers, civil society, and other partners.

Nearly 100 representatives from government, workers’ and employers’ groups, civil society, development partners, academia, and the private sector joined the launch and reaffirmed their commitment to promoting decent work and ending forced labor. —RF, GMA News