On 25 July 1987, the Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) was officially established by virtue of Executive Order No. 251, signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino.  However, ILS traces its roots to the former Institute of Labor and Manpower Studies (ILMS), which was created through Presidential Decree No. 620 on 21 December 1974.  The vision was for ILMS to provide the then Ministry of Labor and Employment with technical support not only in policy-making, but also in the implementation of the latter’s program thrusts.

The transition made ILS flexible in responding to the growing need of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for more comprehensive and innovative research to back up its policy recommendations, or critique existing policies, legislation and programs.  ILS was also envisioned to advise DOLE in policy review and formulation, and program implementation.

Thus, the organizational structure of ILS shifted from being primarily process-oriented to one that is program-focused.  Therefore, DOLE’s three-pronged mission – employment facilitation, maintenance of industrial peace, and promotion of workers’ welfare – is firmly ensconced in the present divisional structure of ILS.