ILO cites ‘green jobs’ bill

MANILA, Philippines - The International Labor Organization (ILO) has cited a bill seeking the creation of “green jobs” or employment opportunities that utilize green technology and other environment-friendly industries.

In a letter to Davao City Rep. Karlo Nograles, ILO country director Lawrence Jeff Johnson said the measure is the “first of its kind – where a national law bears the term ‘green jobs’ not only in the region, but in the world.” 

Johnson offered the help of his agency in the passage of the bill.

“We are open to discuss how we could best collaborate with you in the conduct of technical briefings and consultations on this subject to gain better understanding and support from relevant groups and partners,” he said.

Nograles’ bill seeks to promote employment opportunities that produce goods and services that benefit and preserve the environment. These involve business enterprises that use fewer natural resources in their production processes.

“With the adverse effects of climate change being felt around the world and its increasing threat to lives and properties, nations have found it imperative to facilitate and guide the process of making industries less harmful to the environment,” Nograles said.

He proposed the grant of fiscal incentives and tax perks to encourage individuals and enterprises to participate in the creation of green jobs, practice the use of environment-friendly technologies and produce green jobs and services.

“As countries all over the world collectively move toward a more sustainable economy, public policy must center on developing a green jobs agenda, enhancing workers skills and ensuring a just transition to a green economy,” he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment would be tasked under the bill to create a national green jobs human resource development plan.