An experimental phase of ILO's labour-based programme in the Asia and Pacific region started in the Philippines with the construction of a levee in Pampanga province in 1971. A series of pilot projects and initial studies showed that labour-based methods were suitable for Philippine conditions. Since the early eighties there have been various experiences with full-scale labour-based demonstration projects. This included the UNDP/ILO labour-based project in the late eighties.

The ILO started its Integrated Rural Accessibility Planning (IRAP) programme with Sida/USAID financial support in 1989 in 3 pilot provinces. Since 1992 the Dutch Government has provided financial assistance to the programme and will continue doing this until December 2002. The project now covers all the Provinces in the country and has been incorporated into the local government planning system. The data from IRAP is being used by several government agencies and by donor organisations to prioritise investments. It is also being used as input to the targeting of poverty alleviation programmes. The ILO ASIST-AP programme will continue to provide technical assistance once the Dutch assistance phases out.

Further, ASIST-AP is providing (i) support to the national Infrastructure Committee created under the 1999 executive order, (ii) support to the Department of Interior and Local Government in developing their labour-based programme, and (iii) support to the Department of Labour and Employment, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Interior and Local Government to follow-up to a 1999 executive order that presecribes labour based technology as prefered construction method.

The next step will be for ASIST-AP to assist the Government in developing an outline for a national programme which identifies the different responsibilities and tasks of the different Departments involved.