ILS - DOLE

The Institute for Labor Studies (ILS) is the advocacy and policy advocacy arm of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The ILS seeks to influence national labor and employment plans and policies through its research undertakings, projects and initiatives.

As a research institute, the ILS intends to come up with relevant research information, studies, papers, materials, projects, seminars and activities that would be of great help and value to labor policymakers, planners, advocates and workers.

As the government’s premiere labor think-and-do tank, the ILS also aims to undertake responsive and proactive policy research initiatives that are anchored on the DOLE’s four strategic employment goals: a gainfully-employed workforce, a globally-competent workforce, a secure workforce and a safe workforce.

As an advocacy arm, the ILS aspires to promote better labor policies in the Philippines through the accomplishment of its research thrusts which are rooted in advancing the welfare and well-being of the Filipino worker.

History

The ILS traces its origin and roots to the former Institute of Labor and Manpower Studies (ILMS), which was created during the 1970’s to give technical support and assistance to the then Ministry of Labor.

However, with the change in national leadership upon the ascension of Corazon Aquino into the presidency as consequence of the historic 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution that dismantled the Marcos dictatorship, new needs and concerns, including demands for better working conditions and cohesive labor and employment policies, arose throughout the country.

In response to these clamors for new and improved labor policies, President Corazon C. Aquino reorganized the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and issued Executive Order (EO) No. 251 on July 25, 1987, which led to the creation and designation of the ILS as the research policy and advocacy arm of the DOLE.
Since then, the ILS continues to provide the DOLE with comprehensive studies, innovative researches, policy formulation and recommendations, and program implementation.

ILS Thrusts

With the ultimate goal of bringing about better labor policies and working conditions and benefits for the Filipino worker, the ILS thoroughly performs the following duties and responsibilities:

* Undertake research and studies in all areas of labor and manpower policy and administration;
* Review the rationale of existing legislation and regulations, and analyze the costs involved in the implementation of such legislation against the benefits to be derived;
* Study and develop innovative and indigenous approaches toward the promotion of harmonious and productive labor-management relations, and the improvement of workers’ welfare services;
* Develop and undertake research programs and projects in collabora tion with other national agencies to enhance DOLE’s capability to par ticipate in national decision- and policy-making;
* Enter into agreement with international or bilateral agencies to carry out the foregoing functions;
* Expand the scope of research interests into other countries and regions;
* Publish research studies for dissemination to government, as well as other concerned parties; and
* Perform other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the DOLE Secretary.

Aside from these, the ILS also sees to it that the following tasks are also accomplished: policy research, policy advocacy, technical assistance, publications, networking, management information systems, and library and databank.