Philippines
Republic Act No. 10771/The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 (PGJA)

Description
- Affirm labor as a primary social economic force in promoting sustainable development;
- Afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full and productive employment and equality of employment opportunities for all; and
- Promote the rights of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
With regard to the development of human capital, the PGJA lays special focus on higher and technical vocational education and training. It has mandated the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to formulate a ‘National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan’ for the development, improvement and engagement of the labor force, both in the private and public sector. Apart from the DOLE, other agencies involved in the ‘National Green Jobs Human Resource Development Plan’ are the:
- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
- Department of Education (DepEd);
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
- Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA);
- National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC);
- Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
- Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC);
- Department of Tourism (DOT); and
- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
- Identify needed skills, develop training programs, and train and certify workers for jobs in a range of industries that produce goods and render services for the benefit of the environment;
- Conserve natural resources for the future generation;
- Ensure the sustainable development of the country and its transition into a green economy; and
- Recognise the participation of individuals and business enterprises in creation of green jobs through incentives (as stated under Rule III).
In the context of technical and vocational education and training, one of the eight IRRs that concerns TVET is ‘Rule VII. Curriculum Development and Skills Training’. Sections 3, 4 and 5 of Rule VII respectively address TVET and skills related issues and identify the agencies involved.
Section 3 on Technical Skills and other Trainings states that:
“The TESDA shall formulate the necessary training regulations for the implementation of skills training, program registration, assessment and certification in support of the requirements for skilled manpower of the green economy. The training regulations shall be formulated for qualifications needed in performing the green jobs determined by appropriate authorities. TESDA shall partner with DA, DENR, and other public and private stakeholders in the conduct of the TVET programs, training and accreditation of trainers and assessors in the development and utilisation of curricula and learning materials on green jobs and skills, including advocacy and the implementation of existing international and environmental-protection standards, conventions, directives and agreements. It shall facilitate skills training assessment and certification of skilled workers for green jobs. It shall also promote career advocacy; provide productivity and livelihood training; and extend technical assistance to business enterprises to ensure labor law compliance.”
Section 4 on Skills Needs Analysis states that:
“The DOST and TESDA shall assist DOLE in analysing skills, training and re-training needs relative to the use of green technologies that have the potential to create new green jobs, especially in industries or sectors undergoing structural changes due to climate change and greening of the economy.”
Section 5 on Skills Recognition states that:
“The PRC and TESDA shall facilitate the recognition of knowledge, skills and competencies of professionals, and skills and competencies of skilled workers, respectively, in the green economy through the development of qualifications framework responsive to the provisions of the law and this Rules.”- Development and delivery of programmes, projects, and activities led by TESDA that will equip the labour force with green skills;
- Certification and skills training assessment; and
- Creation of a database led by DOLE in coordination with the Philippine Statistics Authority that shall a) identify and link green job opportunities with private and public entities, and b) provide information on emerging business and skill requirements to sustain a green economy.
Useful Links
The Philippine Green Jobs Act of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10771)
Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 10771
Media Coverage
http://dole12.org/greenjobsact/2018/08/08/philippine-green-jobs-act-approved/
http://www.tesda.gov.ph/Gallery/Details/10252
https://www.dole.gov.ph/news/view/3141
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/05/02/1579327/green-jobs-now-law
https://www.philstar.com/business/2016/02/12/1552396/p-noy-set-sign-green-jobs-act