Manila (ILO News) - Representatives of Philippine’s enterprises in the coconut, pineapple and banana industries, along with workers’ groups, relevant government agencies including from the Department of Labour and Employment, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture, and academe have held talks on responsible business conduct.

About 55 ILO constituents and stakeholders attended the Tripartite Plus Dialogue on CSR/RBC for the Philippine Coconut, Pineapple and Banana Industries jointly implemented by the ILO – RSCA Project and the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP).

The dialogue provided a platform for enterprises in the fruit industry, the government and trade unions were able to discuss decent work challenges in the sector jointly.

The occasion, formally opened by the ILO Country Director for the Philippines, was also attended by ECOP President Sergio Ortiz Luis and the Head of Trade and Economic Section of the EU Delegation to the Philipines, Mr Mauricio Cellini.

A synthesis of five ILO studies on the situation, good practices, and decent work challenges in the Philippine coconut, pineapple and banana industries was presented. The report discussed digital traceability and voluntary certification and their contribution to promoting socially responsible labour practices.

The analysis served as input to the sectoral group discussions that yielded valuable insights and recommendations from the participants on how the government, workers groups and enterprises can address the decent work challenges identified.

The event was hosted by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines and the Responsible Supply Chains programme