Manila: The International Labour Organization (ILO) has initiated a project aimed at eliminating forced labor and encouraging responsible business practices in the Philippines. The four-year project, Promoting Responsive Institutions and Mechanisms to Eliminate Forced Labour in the Philippines (PRIME PH), is co-funded by Canada and will continue until February 2030.

According to Philippines News Agency, the program is designed to address gaps in identifying and resolving forced labor cases, while fostering collaboration among government, workers, employers, civil society, and other partners. The initiative also aims to enhance the Philippines' adherence to international labor standards and promote decent work and responsible business conduct.

The project primarily targets the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, which are key exporters to Canada. Khalid Hassan, director of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines, emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening institutions and protecting vulnerable workers' rights. He stated, "We want to ensure that every person can work in freedom and dignity."

The Philippines has ratified the ILO Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29) and the Abolition of Forced Labour Convention, 1957 (No. 105), and prohibits human trafficking for forced labor under its laws. Despite these measures, challenges remain in identifying forced labor cases and preventing exploitation, particularly in tradable sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and mining.

Canada's Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli, reiterated Canada's commitment to preventing forced labor and safeguarding workers through partnerships like the PRIME PH project. He highlighted the project's role in advancing efforts in Philippine tradable sectors to prevent forced labor and strengthen worker protections.