Top ILO exec set to visit Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The International Labor Organization (ILO) director general is set to make his first official visit to the Philippines this month.

In a statement the ILO said the agency’s director general Gilbert Houngbo would visit the Philippines from June 25 to 28.

Houngbo’s first official visit to the Philippines coincides with the country’s 75th anniversary of ILO membership.

During his visit, Houngbo will meet with President Marcos, Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople and senior government officials.

He will also hold a dialogue with representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations.

In addition, the ILO director general will meet with ADB president Masatsugu Asakawa, heads of agencies and members of the United Nations country team, and the UN resident coordinator Gustavo González.

“Mr. Houngbo will emphasize the need for a new social contract to address growing inequalities and persistent poverty through a Global Coalition for Social Justice,” the ILO said.

The ILO director general is also set to deliver the keynote address at global seafarers’ summit Seafarer 2050 – Shaping the Future of Shipping.

He will also speak at the Employers Confederation of the Philippines’ National Conference of Employers.

While in Metro Manila, Houngbo will visit the Migrant Worker Resource Center (MRC) in Quezon City.

The MRC is the first local government-operated one-stop shop in the National Capital Region offering gender-responsive services to migrant workers and their families.

Houngbo will also engage with overseas Filipino workers and their families on rights-based migration, fair recruitment and decent work.